(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) According to Haad the number of registered mammogram tests witnessed a continuous increase from 9500 in 2010 to more than 16800 in 2013.
Mammogram screenings in the emirate increased by 77 per cent last year from 2010 figures from the Health Authority – Abu Dhabi (Haad) showed.
According to Haad the number of registered mammogram tests witnessed a continuous increase from 9500 in 2010 to more than 16800 in 2013.
“The increase in mammogram tests is a result of an increased public awareness on breast cancer” said Dr Farida Al Hosni acting director of Public Health and Research at Haad. Late stage diagnosis of breast cancer has also witnessed a reduction from 64 per cent in 2007 to 16 per cent in 2012. Haad aims to bring it down further to 15 per cent.
“Regular screening is the best way to combat breast cancer. Ninety eight per cent of women can survive breast cancer if cancer is diagnosed at an early stage. Early detection reduces the need for aggressive treatment and therefore reduces complications” Dr Al Hosni stressed.
Breast cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer among women in Abu Dhabi. It accounts for 22 per cent of all cancers and 41 per cent of cancers in women.
Haad recommends mammograms starting at age 40 once every two years and clinical breast exam (CBE) every three years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women 40 and over. Breast self-exam (BSE) is an option for women in their 20s. Women should report any breast change promptly to their health care provider and may book their breast cancer screening test through www.Haad.ae/simplycheck
Dr Jalaa Taher manager of non-communicable diseases at Haad noted that between “five to 10 per cent of breast cancer cases may be attributed to inherited genetic mutation. Therefore talk with your doctor about your family history and whether you should have additional tests.”
“Having one or more of the risk factors is not the only way to get breast cancer. Seventy per cent of the women diagnosed with breast cancer carry no identifiable risk factors. Therefore early detection through regular breast screening is the best solution to detect early cancer” she added.
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