During the annual breast cancer awareness month Belhoul Speciality Hospital is offering 50 percent off mammograms as a part of their ‘Breast Cancer Action Week’, ensuring all women take action from October 2nd to 8th.
According to Obstetric and Gynecologist Dr Iliana Dmitrieva breast cancer is the most common cancer among women except for non-melanoma skin cancers, and approximately 794,000 women are diagnosed worldwide every year.
The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) is in dedication of building breast cancer awareness and providing information and hope for future innovations in breast cancer treatment. Operating for over 20 years, this year NBCAM is dedicated towards emphasising the importance of early detection through annual mammography screening for women over 40.
As the incidence of breast cancer rises after the age of 40 years and the highest incidence occurs in women over the age of 50, it is extremely important for women to have mammograms every year.
Dr Dmitrieva says women aged 20-39 years should have a clinical breast examination every three years in addition to performing monthly breast self examinations. Ultrasounds are used to detect abnormalities as the breast tissue is denser.
“Women should practice monthly breast self examinations to gain familiarity with her breasts so that any changes in texture, including presence of a lump can be detected as early as possible,” says Dr Dmitrieva.
It is estimated by the American Cancer Society that 211,240 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among women in the United States in 2005. The World Health Organisation estimates that more than 1.2 million people will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year worldwide.
“The chance of a woman developing invasive breast cancer during a woman’s lifetime is approximately one in seven, about 13.4 percent, so it is important women take action today.”
In support of NBCAM Belhoul Speciality Hospital is offering women 50 percent off their mammography from October 2nd to 8th. The hospital is located in Al Khaleej Road in Deira and can be contacted on 04 273 3333.
