Manama: More than 30 per cent of cancer cases of women in Qatar are breast-related, a senior doctor has said.

“Out of those who underwent a breast screening programme in the last two years at the HMC facility, less than 10 per cent were considered as malignant. Even at that, only a few succumbed to the disease,” Dr Salha Bujassoum, consultant haematologist and oncologist at the Hamad Medical Corporation, said at a workshop organised by the Supreme Council of Health.

She attributed the low fatality figure to "the remarkable advances in treatment facilities available in the country”.

Even though early diagnosis could bring positive results in treatment, fewer women in Qatar have taken advantage of the screening facilities at the HMC, with the number of people utilising the facility decreasing from 718 in 2008 to 391 in 2009.

The consultant said chances of breast cancer are highest in the age group of 41 to 49, followed by those in the 50 to 60 age group. Among the patients, close to 25 per cent are Qataris.

A family history of breast cancer can increase a woman’s chances of developing the disease, she added.

However, early detection can save a patient’s life and the consultant advises women to go to the HMC’s multi-disciplinary clinic for screening rather than conduct their own examination.

“Self examination may be useful in the beginning. However, the chances of survival are much better if medical attention is received in the early stage,” she was quoted by Qatari daily Gulf Times as saying.

It’s also important for women aged 40 and above to visit the screening facility at least once a year, according to the oncologist.

A complete cure is possible, but only if the patient is in the first stage of the disease. After that it gets complicated she said.

Besides oncologists, the multi-disciplinary team to treat patients at HMC’s screening facility consists of pathologists and radiologists who ensure patients receive the correct follow-up care, she said.

Regular exercises, a balanced and healthy diet and not smoking can also bring positive results, Dr Bujassoum said.