MUSCAT: A study report from the Ministry of Health suggests that one out of five Omani women is diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime and the overall incidence rate is 15.6 cases per 100,000 in the country.
The most common cancers among men in Oman are colorectal, lung and bronchus and prostate cancers whereas the most common cancers among females are breast cancers, thyroid and ovary cancers.
The Directorate General of Health Services for Muscat, represented by the Department of Primary Healthcare, in cooperation with the Omani Breast Cancer Association and the Sultan Qaboos Integrated Center for Cancer Treatment and Research, organised a health awareness symposium on women's health and early detection of breast cancer.
The one-day symposium titled 'Vigor and Wellness' was held under the auspices of Her Highness Hajija bint Jaifer al Said, and in the presence of Dr Tamra bint Said al Ghafriyah, Director-General of Health Services for Muscat, and officials from the Ministry and the Directorate. The symposium targeted community members and health workers in the health institutions affiliated to the Directorate.
It aimed to spread awareness among members of society, especially women, about the importance of early detection of cancer, and urged women to conduct early detection of breast cancer, in addition to strengthening the role of those in charge of providing healthcare services at all levels of the health- care system with scientific and practical advice that includes how to avoid cancer and detect it in its early stages.
“Women are provided with early examination for breast cancer, which are available in all primary healthcare institutions in Muscat and everyone should make use of the service, in order to ensure the safety and health of the individual from being infected with this disease,” said Dr Samira al Maimani, Director of the Primary Healthcare Department, Directorate General of Health Services in Muscat in her opening speech.
Lynn al Atassi, Head of Corporate Communications, Oman Arab Bank, said that this cooperation with MoH comes within the framework of the bank's awareness of its responsibility to contribute to raising awareness of the importance of early detection of breast cancer. Noting that the concerted efforts of all contributes to increasing the community’s culture of the importance of follow-up and periodic examination, and also have a great impact on preserving the safety of society and containing patients with effective and appropriate treatment.
The symposium included presentation of several lectures by specialists from medical groups, and focused on definition of breast cancer, the methods of detection and prevention, treatment methods, psychological and family dimensions caused by the disease to the patient, role of diet in avoiding the disease, and importance of child breastfeeding.
Doctors define breast cancer and its causes as occurring when some breast cells begin to grow abnormally and these cells divide more rapidly than healthy cells and continue to accumulate and form a mass or tumour. The cells may spread through the breast to the lymph nodes or to other parts of the body. Although breast cancer affects both men and women, but it is more common among women.
Signs and symptoms of breast cancer may include a mass or thickening of the breast, and a change in breast size, shape, or appearance. The best way to prevent the disease is early examination, proper diet, and adherence to healthy lifestyles.
Most importantly, a woman with breast cancer who attended the symposium detailed her experience before and after recovering from the disease, and how she was able to cope with it and overcome it.
@kabeeryousef
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
