Published by SKSH at Aug 26, 2015

Sheikh Khelifa Specialty Hospital in Ras Al Khaimah held a lecture entitled “Let’s Know Breast Cancer” on the occasion of the beginning a breast cancer campaign which is held by the hospital to increase awareness about breast cancer among women and introduce them to the causes, diagnosis, treatment, importance of regular checkups and early screening.

Dr. Eun Young KO, Breast Cancer Surgeon in SKSH emphasized that breast cancer is one of the most common tumors in the UAE noting that it forms 13% of all cancer cases. About 50% of women with breast cancer are less than 50 years old.

“Arab women on average 10 years earlier than among women in Europe. To avoid the disease and its complications, all government, semi government and private sectors in the UAE must work to raise the awareness of breast cancer”, she said.

Dr. KO stressed the need to continue the campaign in collaboration with various government and private sectors and encourage the society members know more about the importance of early screening, avoid complications and reduce the financial burdens that the patient and his family suffer during his treatment. “I encourage all women to do breast self-exam, clinical exam and a mammogram in order to notice any lump, hard knots or thickening. The World Health Organization recommends women to have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at age 20, and every year starting at age 40 in addition to mammogram every year starting at age 40 if there is average risk”, she added.

She also added Breast cancer symptoms can be seen as redness, swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast, change in the size or shape of breast, itchy or scaly sore or rash on the nipple or sudden discharges. Maintaining a healthy weight, adding exercise into routine, limiting alcohol intake and postmenopausal hormone and encouraging breastfeeding are the best choices for a healthy lifestyle.