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Don't plead ignorance to breast cancer, advises expert

Dubai - Cases in UAE rise 20% in less than a decade.

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Do you know 30 per cent of breast cancers are preventable, 30 per cent curable and 40 per cent treatable when detected early? Don't let ignorance be the first symptom of breast cancer.
Figures released by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) shows that the number of women being diagnosed with breast cancer in the UAE has increased by 20 per cent over the past six years.

Breast cancer at a glance> 30% preventable > 30% curable > 40% treatable >70% lumps detected by patients

Also, it revealed that many of those patients are below 40 and have a family history of cancer. In addition, the majority of cases were discovered in the second stage while 30 per cent were discovered in the third stage of the disease.
With October noted as breast cancer awareness month, the leading Indian jewellery group Joy Alukkas has joined hands with a popular Indian health care group Aster DM Healthcare, to launch the 5th Think Pink campaign.
This year's campaign 'Check it. Beat it' aims to double its target, spreading awareness of the disease to more than 400,000 people compared to last year's 200,000.
"We want our campaign to reach more people than ever and intensify our fight against breast cancer. Increased awareness is the first step in this fight," Director of Joyalukkas Group, Sonia John Paul, told Khaleej Times.
This year's campaign will see doctors from Aster participate in road shows providing information and tips to women on how to fight and prevent the disease.
Distributing special educational booklets across the country, free breast check consultation vouchers will also be provided.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 23-25 per cent of breast cancer diagnoses are the direct cause of modifiable lifestyle choices.
Excess consumption of alcohol, inactive lifestyle and excess weight are the three main contributing risk factors relating to this shocking statistic, Dr Keya R Shivadey of Aster Plus Medical Centre, Dubai told Khaleej Times.
"This figure should shock women into being more proactive about leading a healthy lifestyle. Simple changes in your diet and an increased activity level could cut your chance of diagnosis by a quarter."
Blame it on taboos
When compared with the Western world, the incidence of breast cancer is lower in the African-Asian region, however the mortality rate is higher. But why?
According to Dr Shivadey, social taboos are partly to blame.
"But the more we open this discussion up, the lower the mortality rate will become."
She said with 70 per cent of breast lumps detected by the patient themselves, it is imperative women perform regular self-examination checks.
"We need to stop shirking when the word 'breast cancer' comes up. Throw aside the stigma and take control of your health. Ignorance is not the answer."
When it comes to other risk factors of breast cancer, oral contraceptives are also a contributor.
"We recommend that women take a three month break from their contraceptive pill every three years," said Dr Shivadey. And alarmingly, many women are taking these pills for cosmetic reasons, rather than contraceptive reasons.
"Contraceptive pills can help reduce acne and maintain weight. This is why some women continue taking them for prolonged periods of time. But they need to be aware of the risks in relation to breast cancer."
Now in its fifth year, Think Pink has reached out to more than 500,000 people in the GCC region and India so far. This year the campaign will be solely active in UAE.
Speaking at Wednesday's launch, Aster Director, Alisha Moopen, said breast cancer is "nothing to be ashamed of".
"Naturally women want to care for others, but if we don't look after ourselves, we can't look after others."
kelly@khaleejtimes.com