Dubai: Each year on February 4, World Cancer Day is observed. Supported by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the day promotes ways to ease the global burden of cancer.
Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, according to the WHO.
Available UAE figures from the Central Cancer Registry at Tawam Hospital state that cancer is the third leading cause of death in the UAE following cardiovascular diseases and accidents.
According to the Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD), cancer caused 14 per cent of all deaths in the capital in 2011 with lymphoid, haematopoietic and related tissue dominant cancers.
Gulf News spoke to the medical community on the significance of the day.
Dr. Suhail Kazim, Consultant General and Laparoscopic Surgeon, Medical Director and Head of Surgery at Medcare Hospital, Dubai, said that the rate of cancer is on the rise.
“It is most disturbing. More and more people are being afflicted with the disease. The good news is that there is advancement in technology, helping in the prognosis of those diagnosed with cancer. We need people to understand that this disease is treatable, especially when detected in the early stages. We urge people to get regular check ups.”
Dr. Sreekumar Sreedharan, Specialist Physician, Department of General Medicine at Aster Clinic, said, “Cancer remains amongst the top killers of mankind today. It is important to create awareness amongst people on the different types of cancer and their symptoms. Mental and emotional support from loved ones is equally important for the patient.”
