cultural organization in Dammam held a cancer awareness seminar for expatriate women last Friday. The seminar focused largely on cancers afflicting women. Dr. Roshnara Ashraf, a Gynecologist, Obstetrician and Oncologist at Badr Al Rabie Dispensary in Dammam led the seminar and answered questions from the audience. Speaking during the program, Dr. Ashraf said that periodic medical checkup is crucial in identifying the disease at the early stage. “It is very important, especially for women, to undergo periodic cancer detection tests to determine whether they have the disease and detect it at a very early stage, though the patient might not have any symptoms. This is essential to provide the patient with effective, timely treatment,” she said. Dr. Ashraf said that breast, cervical, endometrial and ovarian cancers are the most common cancer types for women. “About one in eight women globally (12 percent) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. But more than 60 percent women survive breast cancer when detected and treated on time,” she added. “A woman's risk of breast cancer approximately doubles if she has a close relative (mother, sister, and daughter) who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. About 20-30 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of breast cancer. About five to 10 percent of breast cancers are caused by inherited gene mutations or abnormal changes passed through families. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the world and almost half of all cancer deaths can be prevented with early detection and treatment.” During her speech, Dr. Ashraf said that more awareness is needed for expatriate women in this regard as cases of cancer are increasing among women here. She contributed this to changing lifestyle and habits. She advises women to undergo periodic checkups when they go on vacation to their home country, like India, as the cost of such tests are much less there. “The objective of this seminar is to help women become aware of the different screening methods for cancers affecting women, recognize the warning signs and symptoms and report these to the doctor at the earliest so that prompt treatment and even a complete cure can be achieved,” remarked Aneesa Shanawas, organizer of the event and President of Thanima Ladies wing. Shanawas presided over the function and Fasina Basheer recited verses from the Holy Qur'an. Rayhana Abdussalam proposed the vote of thanks. Keralite expatriate women from all walks of life attended the seminar.
