Dubai, UAE, October 29, 2018:  Al Tadawi Medical Centre, a leading chain of community healthcare service provider in Dubai, launched a breast cancer awareness initiative and free screening programme focused on early detection to help reduce mortality rate. 

 The initiative will provide 250 women offering Obstetrics and Gynecology Consultation and free mammogram test starting from October 28, 2018 to November 30, 2018. The drive will educate women on the major causes of breast cancer, which are lifestyle related, especially food habits and lack of physical activities.

The event was inaugurated by Dr. Marwan Al Mulla, CEO of Health Regulations Sector in Dubai Health Authority and was attended by the management and staff of Al Tadawi Medical Centre, Dubai.

According to healthcare experts, women are advised to undergo mammogram test every year after the age of 40. It is more common for the incidence to occur after the age of 50. Two thirds of women have been diagnosed with it after the age of 50 and some before 50. Those with a family history can start mammogram from the age of 35 along with an ultrasound, as the tissues are too tender to detect any cancer.

Wrong lifestyle patterns and irregular diet management are among the factors that contribute highly towards the occurrence of breast cancer healthcare experts says. With the advancement of technology, it has become very easy to detect the disease. Breast self-examination must be regular practice, and the best time for it is right after a woman’s period. Women, whether they are asymptomatic or symptomatic, should get examined. 

Dietary issues are a major cause of concern and eating right and balanced foods like green leafy vegetables, drinking enough water, including regular physical exercises will go a long way in curbing the disease.

Commenting on the initiative, Dr. Rana Al Ghafri, Chief Executive Officer at Al Tadawi Medical Centre, said, “Breast cancer is a growing global problem and has emerged as the number one health concern among women in the world. Our aim is to advise and guide the participants on understanding the disease, take preventive measures, check possibilities of being affected by it and detect at an earlier stage if any.”

“In the initial phases breast cancer can be detected by women at an early stage by self-examination; however, some women fail to do that. If the disease is detected in non-palpable stage, radiotherapy and chemotherapy can be avoided,” she added.