To combat one of the most serious and deadly women’s diseases in the UAE, breast cancer, Al Rahba Hospital is launching a month-long series of educational activities to mark “Breast Cancer Awareness Month” during the month of October at the hospital. Pink stations have been placed in various locations within the hospital and a team of doctors and healthcare professionals are educating patients/families/ visitors about the importance of breast cancer screening through Self Breast Examination “SBE”, Clinical Breast Exam “CBE” and mammography .

 

Emphasis is being placed on the fact that regular screening is essential as a secondary prevention strategy. 

 

The activities have been organized under the auspices of the Women’s Health Initiative Program of Al Rahba Hospital and will culminate on the 31st of October with the “PINK DAY” that reflects the support message of this cause through  building decorations and the staff outfits.

 

Last year, Al Rahba Hospital expanded its landmark Women’s Health Initiative Program by launching a new Digital Mammography unit that specializes in breast cancer detection, helping many women receive the necessary treatments at early stages, as well as permitting fast acquisition and archiving, secondary post-processing, and advanced computer analysis detection (CAD) through its modern digital imaging technology. The screening procedures were also specially designed to accommodate the cultural customs of the region.

 

"Year after year, we celebrate this month to remind women all over UAE that we are there for them and that we are constantly directing our efforts in medical research, medical technology and treatment towards enhancing their chances of early diagnosis and recovery from breast cancer," says Dr. Nellie Boma, MD, M.P.H, Chief Medical Officer of Al Rahba Hospital. "We encourage all the women in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and in UAE to visit us for CBE and mammography in order to detect any signs of breast cancer in the early stages.”

 

Visitors to the stations will be able to pick up information kits and brochures as well as spend valuable time with physicians in order to get their questions and concerns answered.

 

“Breast Cancer is the number one cause of cancer in women among both nationals & expats living in the UAE,” added Dr. Boma.“SBE, CBE and Mammogram tests are necessary for women aged 40 and above as part of routine screening. Younger women, are also advised to have SBE and clinical breast exam (CBE) as part of their regular health examinations, if they have risk factors.”

 

The 163-bed hospital in Abu Dhabi, UAE, is managed by Johns Hopkins Medicine International and owned and operated by Abu Dhabi Health Services Company PJSC (SEHA).