Dubai: A new breast cancer mobile unit will soon be available in the UAE in order to make it more accessible to women in various parts of the country.
The mobile unit was revealed at the 35th Arab Health Congress at the Dubai Exhibition and Trade Centre, which offers patients the same facilities like in any other health care centres.
Raise awareness
"Equipped with the most innovative technology available, the trailer provides the latest breast cancer detection capabilities to the women in the Middle East.
"Together with clinical partners, we expect to both raise awareness of the illness and actively highlight the importance of early detection of this life-threatening disease," said Florian Gersback, press officer at Siemens Healthcare.
Patients will be provided with an ultrasound machine that will capture a 3D image of the breast, as well as a digital mammography platform.
"The mobile van does not need to be handled by doctors but well-trained assistants are more than capable of carrying out the tests," he said, noting that the images will then be transmitted via satellite to the hospitals. This particular technique is more comfortable for patients than having the regular mammogram, which is more painful.
The concept of having a mobile healthcare unit further also offers the opportunity to take advanced medical care to suburban and rural areas in the region, which have limited or no access to specialist clinics.
Promotion
Gersback said that the aim of the mobile van is to promote the need for breast screening in the region, "and also to encourage younger women in taking the test as breast cancer is increasing among the younger population. If the mobile van is next to their homes, then women will be more willing to visit it at their own convenience."
