Overload of information makes women vulnerable
It was interesting to read the article ‘New advice: Start mammograms later in life’, published by Gulf News on October 22 on mammogram advice. Coming from a family of a cancer survivor I do not agree to delay the annual screening to 45 years as recommended by the American Cancer Society to avoid uncommon and false alarms. Two of the three cases that I have witnessed and came across from personal acquaintances were below 40, one of which resulted in death that occurred within the first few years of the onset of symptoms. I believe that the complexity of primary treatment and the information overload from various sources, including health-care providers, close acquaintances, books and internet is making the readers and us women, both confused and vulnerable. More importantly, while women today are often well informed about the details of their cancer diagnosis and prognosis, no one really attends to the resulting serious depression, anxiety, anger and other treatment-related distress, where the survivor feels an attack on their femininity, with fear of recurrence, changes in body image and sexuality. These are all factors that threaten the emotional well-being of the woman.
In addition, the long treatment leads to complete disruption in social activities, which is completely ignored. I would like to bring this fact to all readers. Needless to mention that even the most psychologically strong woman will be overwhelmed by the number of medical visits, procedures, chemotherapy and waiting times during the initial diagnostic and treatment process, especially when for many expatriates there is no insurance coverage in this regard. From Dr Abhilasha Singh Dean of College of Education and Director of International Office at the
American University in the Emirates
I had never undertaken breast self-examination
According to the Health Authority Abu Dhabi, cancer is the second leading cause of death within the UAE. The increase in breast cancer among younger women, under 40 years of age, is on the rise and is an issue that requires great attention. I agree that all women above 30 should have regular annual screenings as well as breast self-examination, which helps in early cancer detection and treatment. Many young women usually believe that breast cancer can never happen to them, and that this disease only occurs in women who are above 40, and have a strong family history of the disease. While according to research a wide number of young women aged between 25 and 39 were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013, a lack of awareness and lack of screening at a young age puts women at risk of being diagnosed in the advanced stages of the disease. When I was diagnosed with cancer, I was 34 years old. I had never undertaken breast self-examination, neither had I ever thought of doing a mammogram. I could feel the symptoms of having cancer, but the lack of awareness and the thought of not having a family history of this disease, along with the wrong belief that cancer can only occur in women over 50, made me push away the suspicion of having cancer. By the time I had decided to go for screening, cancer had spread infecting all lymph nodes, which lead to aggressive treatment through surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormonal medication.
From Dr Bassant Said Eyada
Coordinator of Mass Communication Department English, College of Media and Mass Communication at the American University in the Emirates
Pay attention to the signals
Breast cancer has left its mark on my family and friends. My cousin Walter’s wife Ramona, passed away because of breast cancer. My cousin Mary is a survivor of breast cancer. My friend Yvette is a survivor of breast cancer. I wonder if Ramona’s passing nearly 20 years ago, could have been avoided until it was her “time” if she had had more screenings. Unfortunately, she is not here to say “Yes”. Fortunately, I am still able to phone/email both my cousin Mary and my friend Yvette. The Cancer Society says “women should have fewer screenings.” I say, “Women should have as many screenings as necessary. We know our bodies best.”
It may seem “odd” that an academic such as myself would disagree with “research” data. However, I am a human being; a woman before any credentials. As such, I speak to the issues concerning human health and well-being before citing research as a basis for possibly restricting a woman (people, for that matter) from preventative screenings.
Ideally, what I would like to come from Breast Cancer Awareness are efforts to return human beings to paying attention to the “signals” also known as, “symptoms” that our bodies send to alert us to physiological imbalance. There are holistic modalities that would not only lessen the number screenings; but, could eradicate cancer, but that is a different issue.
Dr. Danielle Mincey White Program Director, Master of Sports Management at the American University in the Emirates
Paranoia about the disease among women over 40
The statement “Women should begin annual screening for breast cancer at age 45 instead of 40, and switch to every other year at 55” is considered authentic, since the new policy announcement was made by the American Cancer Society (AMS) on breast cancer screening guidelines. One of the reasons is to reduce the anxiety and paranoia among women over 40 about the disease itself. In the UAE, the Breast Cancer Awareness brought about by Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD) in compliance to the new policy has evoked a load of positive vibes in treating and curing the apparent lifestyle disease.
A once dreaded disease is no more an entity to be feared. Research and scientific medication have made it possible for the disease to be treated if detected early. Hats off to the rigorous campaigns and awareness programs set up by HAAD through print, electronic media, and mobile healthcare services to reach out to the people, even in remote areas. The renewed policy has enriched and encouraged citizens of UAE to seek after and follow preventive measures even before the disease surfaced. This is a very promising move by the health authorities of the UAE, and as per HAAD the implementation of this policy has helped even conservative women over the age of 40 be aware of the measures in preventing and treating breast cancer. Furthermore, the awareness move has paved the way for women who are already affected by breast cancer to be counseled and assured that the disease can be managed. This psychological boost helps those who have contracted the disease to lead a life with positivity.
In a nutshell, the announcement and launching of the new policy on Breast Cancer Awareness in the UAE by HAAD in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health (MoH) is indeed a brave initiative, which has emerged successful in preventing and controlling Breast Cancer in the UAE.
From Dr Janet Madhu
Assistant Professor, College of Education at the American University in the Emirates
Be physically active and eat right
I do agree that women should have fewer screenings by mammograms, and after age 45 instead of 40, as some studies showed the possibility of having breast cancer by early exposure to radiation. I do agree that breast cancer risky age is above 40, however, it’s mostly related to genetic factors. According to many studies, there are several preventive and healthy habits to decrease the chances of having breast cancer. Be as lean as possible without becoming underweight. Check your waist measurement as a crude measurement of your abdominal fat, it’s recommended to be 31.5 inches or less. One needs to be physically active for at least 30 minutes every day, of course more activity is much better. People need to avoid sugary drinks and limit consumption of high-calorie foods, especially those low in fiber and rich in fat. They need to switch to healthier options like eating more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes such as beans, go for a variety of colors like deep greens of spinach, deep blues of blueberries, white onions and garlic. Limiting the consumption of red or processed meat, salty and processed food is important. Many studies show that breastfeeding babies exclusively for up to six months, reduces the risk of having breast cancer. These lifestyle related changes are strongly recommended for people for cancer prevention.
From Dr. Jazla Fadda
Coordinator of Hospital & HealthCare Management Dept. at the College of Business Administration, American University in the Emirates
