UAE: More men are now getting screened for breast cancer
Breast cancer is commonly believed to occur primarily in females but men too can suffer from the disease. An organization based in the UAE, which performs free cancer screenings throughout the country, has pointed out that men are also getting screened for the big C.
In the previous year, nearly 15000 women and 5500 men were screened for cancer screenings free of charge, which is organized by Friends of Cancer Patients (FoCP).
“We are not just focusing on raising awareness among women and we are also targeting men as breast cancer is not selective,” Aisha Al Mulla, director of FoCP, said. “We had screened men and we have also reported positive breast cancer incidences among men. “
This was during Breast Cancer Month when the … Friends of Cancer Patients (FoCP) issued the details of their Pink Caravan campaign. “Al Mulla said: The Pink Caravan is one of the most important campaigns that we have worked on and continues for more than 10 years.
She emphasized that hospitals have a close working relationship in making sure that the appropriate treatment and follow up care is given to those who are positive.
Despite the provision of medical assistance, the Financier of Compassion Project (FoCP) also offers financial assistance for the needy. As Al Mulla explains, understanding that many people wanting to undergo treatment may lack appropriate treatment and assistance regardless of their ethnicity, gender or even status of employment.
This year, the Pink Caravan is deploying more than 8 fixed units and more than 100 mobile units within the UAE offering free breast cancer screenings.
The expansion will be targeting at least three more types of cancer, cervical and lung, hoping to work with the UAE Health Ministry, said Al Mulla. That the scope of FoCP will be widening as plans are underway.
Pink Caravan mobile clinic executive, Jamila Ibrahim, emphasized that it also motivates the residents of the UAE to undergo tests every month of the year and not only during October which is recognized as the Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Women from 20 to 39 years are clinically examined while women above 40 years are required to do mammograms after every two years. Women who are at higher risk of experiencing breast cancer than the general population might consider getting mammograms at an earlier age. “We go to schools, higher learning institutions, and nursing homes and homes for the disabled to find people in need of screening as we work with hospitals and other organizations.”
A cancer-free UAE
“Although it is not completely feasible to eradicate cancer, it can be observed that diagnoses made at the early stages usually boast treatment success rates of up to 98 percent, a situation we strive to create,” Jamila observed.
Moving in the entourage of volunteers to offer spacial services to the people, Dr Rehab, a mobile clinic volunteer, discussed the widely held fear and stigma of dealing with cancer.
For a cancer victim, it is a common misconception to assume that they have been handed a death sentence. An early diagnosis can help provision of effective measures against cancer. It brings out the need to kill the apprehensive nature associated with going for tests since it can greatly improve the way one diagnosed with cancer will present later on.
Aiming for cancer care, one area that may be neglected but finds itself as a key ingredient that supports positive disease outcome is the emotional well being of the individual.
The importance of the psychological aspect of the patients undergoing such a therapy was also stressed by Dr Rehab. And even before the subject is treated, these people may also first seek the help of psychologists in order to prepare themselves for changes they are likely to experience.
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