Cancer survivors share their stories to raise awareness on early detection

Marina Mall Abu Dhabi – November 22, 2013

Abu Dhabi, UAE -In an effort to raise cancer awareness in the UAE, Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD) is organizing the Cancer Wave initiative on November 22, 2013 at the Abu Dhabi Marina Mall. As a sponsor of the event, Roche will be highlighting women's health, specifically the importance of regular screening, early detection and treatment in cervical cancer and breast cancer.  Having both Roche Diagnostics and Roche Pharmaceuticals working together in cooperation with HAAD allows them the unique privilege of providing the public with the tools and expertise in diagnosis and treatment. Moreover, this is event will be strongly supported by Marina Mall and Profiency Central Laboratories.

Cancer Wave invites the general public to actively participate in the event by attending presentations from doctors and cancer survivors.  Dr. Aref Chehal, Medical Oncology Consultant at Mafraq Hospital Abu Dhabi and Dr. Saad Ghazal-Aswad Gynecological Oncology Consultant at Tawam Hospital will be speaking to the audience about breast cancer and cervical cancer, respectively.  Cancer survivors will be sharing their personal stories with the public to further illustrate the benefits of early detection. Cancer survivors from Emirates Foundation for Cancer Patients will also participate in a mall fashion show together. We will also welcome to the stage, Dr. Naemeih Al Jassem, Medical Director and Histopathology Specialist at Proficiency Central Laboratories.

With the aim to encourage more women to undergo regular screening and recognize the value of early detection, mobile mammogram screening will be available to the public.  Roche will also be stressing the concept of co-testing for cervical cancer with the Pap smear and Human Papillomavirus (HPV); vouchers for HPV testing will be available to the audience.

Educating the public to develop a culture of regular medical screening and testing results in immeasurable benefits and lessens the burden on society and individual families. Regular screening can lead to early diagnoses, which can ultimately lead to better outcomes in treatment for patients. Early detection, not only in breast cancer and cervical cancer, can make all the difference for a patient's family.

Cancer Wave will be officially launched by HAAD at 4pm and will continue until 6pm in Marina Mall.  Brochures and mammogram testing will be available from 2-9pm at the mall.

Breast Cancer and Cervical Cancer Facts (Source: www.haad.aesimlycheck)

• Cancers of major public health relevance such as breast, cervical and colorectal cancer can be cured if detected early and treated adequately.
• Regular screening examinations by a health care professional can result in the detection and removal of precancerous growths, as well as the diagnosis of cancers at an early stage when they are most treatable.
• Cancers of the cervix, colon, and rectum can be prevented by the removal of precancerous tissue.
• Screening is known to reduce mortality for cancers of the breast, colon, rectum and cervix.
• About 30% of cancer deaths are a result of the five leading behavioral and dietary risks: high body mass index, low fruit and vegetable intake, lack of physical activity, tobacco use and alcohol.
  Cancer Incidence:
• 1729 new cancer cases were reported in 2012.
• 28% among nationals and 72% among expatriates
• 53% were females, 47% were males 
• Breast Cancer falls under the most 5 common cancers in Abu Dhabi
• If breast cancer is detected early, the average 5-year survival rate for women is 81%. On average only 35% of women with advanced breast cancer are alive 5 years after diagnosis.
• If cervical cancer is detected early, there is an estimated 5-year survival rate of 90%. If diagnosed in advanced stages, 5-year survival rates are about 20%.