Did you know that the second leading cause of death among women in the UAE, after cardiovascular disease, is breast cancer?
Last year, there were 54 deaths due to breast cancer in Abu Dhabi alone; the youngest being that of a 24-year-old.
According to the Dubai Health Authority, there has been a 20 per cent increase in cases over the last five years, but the good news is that survival rates have also increased.
Around 20 years ago, only 50 per cent of diagnosed women survived. Thankfully, the percentage has risen to 80 today, which shows one thing — early detection can save lives.
October is the month for breast cancer awareness, and being such a health-obsessed person, there is no way I would miss an opportunity like this to talk about the importance of simply being aware. The more aware we are of our own bodies and potential health risks, the more likely we are able to keep breast cancer at bay.
With so many myths and statistics floating around the internet, it’s no wonder that all concern about breast cancer has turned into confusion, which sometimes leads to inaction. It is important to know the facts.
Did you know that breast cancer is one of the most preventable and curable life-threatening diseases? When detected and treated in its early stages, the rate of recovery for those diagnosed at the earliest stage is 90 per cent. Statistics have shown that 50 per cent of women diagnosed with the disease are between the age of 49 and 54 years old, but it can happen to anyone at any age. In fact, sadly, the number of cases of women aged between 25-39 has shown an increase in the past year. So every woman must be encouraged to get a check-up.
I personally know so many amazing women who are bravely battling and who have survived cancer. Then there are so many in the public eye too. Australian pop star Kylie Minogue was diagnosed at 36, Cynthia Nixon from Sex and The City was diagnosed at 40, and country singer Sheryl Crow at 44. I shudder to think of last year when TV correspondent Amy Robach got an on-air mammogram in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. The shocking outcome of that mammogram was that she was diagnosed with breast cancer at only 40.
And it all starts with just one check-up, ladies, so this week when you catch up with girlfriends for coffee or shopping, make that trip to the clinic together, get yourselves checked and spread the message. You never know whose life you might save.
This topic continues next week, as I will be talking to some strong-spirited cancer survivors and hearing their stories of hope and faith.
— Follow Uma on social media on @umagd
