Abu Dhabi Week gets behind Breast Cancer Awareness month
Many lives are impacted by cancer – 160 women in Abu Dhabi develop breast cancer every year and and it is the second leading cause of death in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, according to statistics released by Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD).
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month – represented by the colour pink – and as such health professionals and organisations, aswell as campaigners and survivors across the world, take the opportunity to highlight the dangers of the deadly disease and to encourage women to proactively protect themselves against it.
It’s a frightening experience to perform a self-examination and find a lump, but in actual fact 80 percent of all breast lumps turn out to be benign or non-cancerous. What is ever more frightening is the fate faced by those who don’t perform self-examinations or attend routine mammograms.
“Breast cancer is curable in many occasions,” said Dr Balaji Balasubramanian consultant surgical oncologist at NMC specialty hospital in Abu Dhabi. “Delaying seeking medical attention is the main problem medical professionals are faced with when treating cancer and it should be avoided at all costs.”
Dr Balasubramanian advises people to carry out a routine breast exam once a month and check for the following: a painless lump found on the breast area, swelling under the armpit, puckering of the skin, or anything else unusual. If you find anything unusual visit a doctor.
And there is no better time to get checked.
Dr Harpreet Saini, family medicine consultant at Healthpoint Abu Dhabi, said: “October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to promote breast cancer awareness, to share information on the disease and provide better access to services. It’s a platform for educating and empowering women to take charge of their own breast health.”
“Awareness events are not only fun activities to bring the community together but also remind people to get screened. This saves lives – the lives of mothers, sisters, daughters and wives in Abu Dhabi.”
Dr Saini recommends visiting HAAD’s website for details of local support groups including Bosom Buddies and Ladies of Courage.
“HAAD also has a great free app that has a personalised monthly reminder to carry out a self exam with complete easy to follow instructions.”
To download simply visit: www.haad.ae/simplycheck
If you would like more information on breast cancer visit NMC Specialty Hospital’s Pink Corner – a dedicated breast cancer information area, which will run throughout the month
of October.
Inspiring stories
American teacher Regina Florence (pictured) was first diagnosed with cancer in 2002. It was successfully treated at the time but reoccurred almost a decade later this May.
“I felt a lump on my right breast in the same area that my cancer was detected the first time and I sought out medical treatment here in Abu Dhabi,” said Florence. “I was shocked because I really didn’t think the cancer would or could come back.”
Florence has just completed her sixth round of chemotherapy and had a double mastectomy.
“I know the treatments are saving my life, but it is difficult to see yourself daily change inside and out; from being active and fashionable to fatigued and bald. I am very fortunate to have a loving husband and supportive family and friends. By surrounding myself around positive people, I am not allowed to have too many pity parties.
“Also I am a member of an Abu Dhabi breast cancer support group and serve as an ambassador for the Dubai’s Big Pink Ball, a charity event to help raise funds to support breast cancer in the Middle East.”
Abu Dhabi-based teacher Marisa Johns was also diagnosed with breast cancer, in December 2009. She described being shocked to the core and faced a long road to recovery.
“I found a painful lump, which was monitored for two years,” Johns said. “When I was diagnosed with cancer I suppose I wasn’t really surprised but it was a shock, it felt like my brain shut off and I didn’t take much else in other than to agree to surgery in February 2010.”
Johns has this advice for women who find themselves in a similar situation:
“Get the best medical advice, even if it means getting a second opinion.
“Continue with your life as much as possible, but obviously pace yourself in terms of your energy levels.
“Keep a diary of the experience and keep a separate ‘Thankfulness’ journal where you give thanks for your blessings.”
Play your part
What can you do to support fundraising efforts for breast cancer in the capital? Read on…
Party with purpose
Get your glad rags on and hit Dubai’s Big Pink Ball for this month’s most happening party. The Moulin Rouge-themed event will feature eclectic cabaret acts, a silent auction, fine food and a lot more besides. The ball takes place on the outside terrace of Sky Bubble, Meydan Racecourse on Thursday 24th October. Tickets start from AED 645, with a percentage of the proceeds being donated to breast cancer awareness. To book or for more information visit: www.bigpinkball.com
Support through sport
Get your paddles at the ready for a guided kayak excursion hosted by the Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa. Families are encouraged to sign up for the Paddle Pink excursion. Cost AED 150++ for adults and AED 130++ for children, of which AED 50 will be donated to Pink Caravan. The event runs from 9am to 11am. For more information contact: 02 656 1000.
Sign up for free fitness classes at the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy. Ladies can choose from zumba, Pilates, yoga and body combat class, led by female fitness experts from Abu Dhabi Country Club. Guests can avail of free breast examinations by Health Authority Abu Dhabi’s (HAAD) doctors and attend awareness lectures. For more information contact: 02 651 9780.
Raise your pinkies
The Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi is hosting a Pink Barbie Brunch on 25th October, with a special guest appearance by Barbie and Ken. Enjoy a fantastic feast, pink bubbles and desserts and also support the Breast Cancer Arabia Foundation (BCA). Cost from AED 139++ to AED 169++ with 100 percent of the proceeds being donated to BCA. For more information call: 02 657 4888, for more details about the charity visit: breastcancerarabia.com
A variety of pink treats are available at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr with a percentage of proceeds going to breast cancer research. The Chocolate Gallery will offer three flavours of pink lollipops – truffle, marshmallow and rice crispie. Cost AED 10. In addition, AED 5 from every Friday brunch cover at CuiScene in October will be donated towards the Pink Caravan and guests wearing pink will receive a complimentary pink welcome drink. For more information contact: 02 654 3333.
Pink Products
Ford Motor Company has just released its 2013 Warriors in Pink range. The clothing collection created for men, women and children, features messages of hope, strength and unity in the fight against breast cancer. 100 percent of the proceeds will go directly to a breast cancer charity.To browse or buy visit: www.fordcares.com
Pick up a pretty pink polish at Tips & Toes, Tantastic self-tanning mousse, Lee Stafford shine spray, or another beauty product. All of the proceeds will go to a breast cancer charity. For more information visit: www.tipsandtoes.com
Catriona Doherty
