The visit aims to provide insights on the center’s diagnosis and detection facilities, was recommended by HAAD. It provided an opportunity for the delegation members to learn more about the center’s [...]]]>

Ambulatory Healthcare Services (AHS) received a delegation from King Hussein Cancer Center – Jordan, and Jordan Breast Cancer Program to its Khalifa (A) Healthcare Center.

The visit aims to provide insights on the center’s diagnosis and detection facilities, was recommended by HAAD. It provided an opportunity for the delegation members to learn more about the center’s services including specialized clinics for early detection of cancer as well as promote the exchange of experiences and cooperation between Jordan and the UAE in the fight against cancer.

Dr. Wegdan ِAbdul Razzaq, Health Operations Supervisor of Khalifa (A) spoke about the achievements and developments made at Khalifa (A) since the launch and also the plans for the future as well as the progress in achieving the same. He also provided the delegation a familiarization tour of the center’s facilities, equipment, service sections and technology.

Dr. John Evangelista, Director of AHS, said: “We, at AHS, are truly delighted on the recommendation of our Khalifa (A) Healthcare Centre by the Health Authority – Abu Dhabi (HAAD) to host the delegation from Jordan. This further confirms the success of our continuous efforts to provide the highest standards of healthcare across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.”

Breast Cancer is a key concern of the healthcare sector in Abu Dhabi, since it is one of the most common types of cancers prevalent in the Gulf region and the UAE among women, accounting for approximately 28% of cases.

Furthermore, Dr. Mahmoud Sarhan, Chairman of King Hussein Cancer CenterKing Hussein Cancer Center – Jordan, added: “Our visit to the AHS Khalifa (A) Healthcare Center undoubtedly plays an important role in enhancing cooperation between the UAE and Jordan. This initiative will benefit the respective healthcare sectors of these nations.”

Related posts

• Innovation Of Cancer Treatment Device (0)
• The Cabinet to Implement A Ban on Smoking (0)
• Saudi Arabia Witnesses Growth in Medical Tourism (0)
• Jordanian women Have a Lack of Vitamines (0)
• Jordan Buys Mobile Cancer Detection Unit (0)

“This large [...]]]>

In a study, women who used bisphosphonate drugs, such as Fosamax, Boniva and Zomita, for more than two years had a nearly 40 percent reduction in risk as compared to those who did not, according to lead author Polly Newcomb, Ph.D., M.P.H., head of the Cancer Prevention Program at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

“This large study provides new evidence that the use of bisphosphonates is associated with a potentially important reduction in breast cancer risk,” Newcomb said.

The protective effect was observed only among women who were not obese. “Obese women may have elevated estrogen levels, so underlying hormones may influence the ability of bisphosphonates to reduce breast cancer risk,” Newcomb said.

The way in which these drugs may prevent breast cancer is not known, but several research observations may be relevant. “These drugs may affect cell function and be important in cell growth and death — specifically the death of tumors or even premalignant disease,” Newcomb said. Researchers have found that some kinds of bisphosphonates directly cause tumor apoptosis (cellular suicide), inhibit angiogenesis (prevent tumors from establishing a blood supply) and prevent tumor-cell adhesion (the ability of cancer cells to bind to one another).

The study involved nearly 6,000 Wisconsin women, aged 20 to 69. Half had been diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and, for comparison purposes, half had not. The women were interviewed about their bone health — their history of fractures, whether they’d been diagnosed with osteoporosis and their history of bisphosphonate use.

Breast cancer risk factors such as first-degree family history of the disease, age at first birth, postmenopausal hormone use and body mass index were accounted for in the analysis. “Because we were able to account for important cofounders, these findings may reflect real benefits due to the anti-tumor mechanisms of these medications,” the authors wrote.

Related posts

• UK Scientists Discover New Route That Develops Leukaemia (0)
• UAE to Support Appropriate Midwifery Care (0)
• The ‘Jewels in Our Genes’ Study: Investigating Why Black Women are at Increased Risk of Early Breast Cancer (1)
• Solution For Mobile Breast Cancer Screening (0)
• Scientists Find That Breast Cancer Not A Single Disease (0)

The sessions aimed to educate their staff about the causes and methods of prevention and early detection of cervical [...]]]>

Dubai Media Incorporated (DMI) and Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) recently organised a series of seminars and workshops to generate awareness about cervical cancer among their staff as part of the on-going “Everything I Can” global campaign.

The sessions aimed to educate their staff about the causes and methods of prevention and early detection of cervical cancer. The sessions were conducted by Dr Gaby Khayata, MD, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Dr Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Centre; and Dr Muna Tahlak, MD, FACOG, Consultant and Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department at Al Wasl Hospital.

Cervical cancer, one of around 200 different types of cancer, results from the abnormal growth and division of cells that make up the cervix and is caused by a virus called Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a common type that infects half of all people at some point in their lives. However, cervical cancer, the second most common life-threatening cancer among women after breast cancer, is preventable.

The exact cause of cervical cancer is still unknown and symptoms do not appear until it reaches an advanced stage. HPV types 16 and 18 are cited as the cause of approximately 70 per cent of cervical cancer cases. The disease has an incidence rate of 4.8 for every 100,000 women per year in the Middle East and 9.9 for every 100,000 women in the UAE.

Pap smear screening is the most successful procedure to detect cervical cancer at an early stage and is credited with significantly reducing cervical cancer deaths since its widespread use began in the 1950s.

Related posts

• Khalifa (A) Healthcare Center Receives A Delegations from Jordon (0)
• Innovation Of Cancer Treatment Device (0)
• Early Cancer Detection Grows Survival Rate (1)
• A Cancer Warrior’s Journey Survivor (0)
• WHO Conducts A study on Mobile-Cancer Link (0)

“The technology using x-rays induced by nano-pulse laser allows visualising the smallest [...]]]>

Late last year, Dr Al Ani had devised a new system for cancer treatment through his research on the spread of cancer and its prevention. This discovery also won acclaim among experts, when it was announced at the Gene Congress held in December 2009.

“The technology using x-rays induced by nano-pulse laser allows visualising the smallest atomic size, nano-structure sub-cells and proteins with high resolution and specificity. This can help us know more about the structural and functional dynamics of cancer stem cells.”

Today, though cancer treatment is effective, it is invasive and patients have a tough time. Identification of proteins on breast cancer cells can help to develop new strategies to prevent deadly diseases. “We had discovered in our previous researches that a specific unknown protein that can confuse the white blood cells- the key factor of immune system. This can help in fast spread of cancer stem cells which is proven by its presence in lung between the airways or bronchioles and the surface of the heart. So with the development of real time imaging in high resolution can help doctors find a proper, least invasive and efficient way to treat cancer.

His latest innovation is based on using nano-robot to label the cancer breast cancer cell. He injected nano-robot labelled human cancerous breast stem cells into mice and after few weeks these labelled cells were located in the breast, lung, heart, liver and brain of the mice.

Nano-robot to revolutionise healthcare

“These robots have a size of 100 nano metres. We followed the spread path of cancerous breast stem cells alone and with their combination of proteins and coagulation system parameters. In this experiment we found that the spread can continue to brain and liver tissues, other organ, and that this spread is not only caused by stem cells or proteins,” he said.

Dr Al Ani had to develop a nano-pulse laser and nano-robot. These have high medical, nuclear, and environmental applications as it can help in evolving high specific particle sensor devices up to the minute sizes.

“This technology will allow us to observe and hopefully stop the spread of cancer during migration by using proper methods of treatment, such as photonic laser or chemicals. Furthermore, the future of this discovery allows us to follow the blood clots’ spread and prevention of brain and heart stroke,” he said.

Related posts

• Khalifa (A) Healthcare Center Receives A Delegations from Jordon (0)
• GHI Looks to Healthcare Regulators for Much Needed Quality Drive (0)
• Education From DMI and DWTC on Cervical Cancer (0)
• Early Cancer Detection Grows Survival Rate (1)
• Call to set up specialized unit for cancer-hit kids (0)

She has no family to turn to but prayer is her anchor, her truth. Diagnosed with breast cancer nearly two years ago, [...]]]>

Dubai She wastes no fresh tears. There is no ‘what if’ she can beat cancer. Analiza Muval is a survivor firm in belief that her ongoing battle will be a memory of the past.

She has no family to turn to but prayer is her anchor, her truth. Diagnosed with breast cancer nearly two years ago, the Filipina faced a disease that rapidly invaded other organs.

In December 2007, the 34 year old was first rushed to Rashid Hospital by her friends as she struggled to breathe.

“They told me that it was metastasis from breast cancer … it had spread to my neck and damaged two bones,” she said.

In January 2008, she received her full diagnosis — breast cancer in ‘Advanced Stage 2′. The cells had spread to her neck and rib cage down to the right femur or thigh bone. Muval had a year to live.

She underwent surgery and was placed on intensive chemotherapy.

Muval spoke to Gulf News in October 2009 — she had gone back to work and was healing slowly, but doctors were worried about the metastasis in her bones. Four months later, she feels “much better” and has also started doing night shifts at her job.

“My next scan is scheduled for March 2 to detect the extent of the cancer in the breast … I couldn’t have a mastectomy earlier because of the metastasis. But my tests are looking good now … I can beat cancer with God’s grace.”

Her faith makes sure Muval lives each day as “the greatest” she has ever known, “everything is temporary, and it will heal”.

She channels the same outlook when it comes to paying for her treatment. Currently her chemotherapy injection, costing Dh4,000, is covered by the UAE’s public health care system. However, she pays for the tablets, which cost Dh120 every month and has to pay Dh1,000 for the forthcoming scan, along with Dh5,000 for the mastectomy.

“Cancer has made me strong; you realise that you have to depend on yourself, people turn away because they do not want be responsible for you.”

Related posts

• Khalifa (A) Healthcare Center Receives A Delegations from Jordon (0)
• Innovation Of Cancer Treatment Device (0)
• Education From DMI and DWTC on Cervical Cancer (0)
• Early Cancer Detection Grows Survival Rate (1)
• Call to set up specialized unit for cancer-hit kids (0)

A comparison of the genomes of 24 breast tumours found several distinct patterns of DNA damage, each of which appeared to be characteristic of a sub-type of [...]]]>

BREAST cancer is not a single disease but a collection of at least five separate conditions that differ in prognosis and response to treatment, a genetic study has revealed.

A comparison of the genomes of 24 breast tumours found several distinct patterns of DNA damage, each of which appeared to be characteristic of a sub-type of cancer.

The findings, from a British team that unveiled last week the first comprehensive genetic maps of two tumours, offer insights into the biology of breast cancer.

Scientists expect to be able to classify tumours according to their DNA signatures and thus establish how aggressive the tumour will be, and which therapy is most likely to work.

Mike Stratton, of the Cancer Genome Project at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, said: “Our work supports the view that breast cancer is not one but several diseases. If this diversity is associated with a different prognosis, or sensitivity to drugs, it will become very useful on a clinical level.”

Oncologists already recognize that there are three to four broad groups of breast cancers, which differ in their responses to particular drugs.

In the study, the scientists examined 24 tumours for evidence of re-arrangement — a type of genetic damage.

It was revealed that while some tumours were relatively undisturbed, others had more than 200 re-arrangements.

“The aim is to identify cancer-causing genes that are produced by these re-arrangements, and to develop therapies,” Prof Stratton said.

Meanwhile, a new drug may halt the growth of a rare form of cancer that affects teenage boys.

Related posts

• UAE to Support Appropriate Midwifery Care (0)
• The ‘Jewels in Our Genes’ Study: Investigating Why Black Women are at Increased Risk of Early Breast Cancer (1)
• Solution For Mobile Breast Cancer Screening (0)
• Research and Markets Offers A Training Course on Breast Imaging and Digital Mammography (0)
• Osteoporosis Drugs Associated With Low Risk of Breast Cancer (0)

The seminar, which presented the latest research and studies on cancer, particularly breast cancer, was chaired by Dr Pamela Munster, MD, Associate Professor of Hematology/ Oncology, Director of the [...]]]>

Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP) held a Cancer Awareness Educational Seminar entitled “The Latest in Breast Cancer” at the headquarters of Sharjah Supreme Council for Family Affairs.

The seminar, which presented the latest research and studies on cancer, particularly breast cancer, was chaired by Dr Pamela Munster, MD, Associate Professor of Hematology/ Oncology, Director of the Early Phase Clinical Trials Program, and Associate Director of Investigational Therapeutics at the University of California, San Francisco. Dr Munster is also former Associate Professor of the Division of Breast Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics Program at the Moffitt Cancer Center at the University of South Florida.

Recent studies indicate that over seven million people die from cancer every year, and according to the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer, cancer will overtake heart disease as the world’s top killer by 2010. The world’s poorest countries will suffer from increasing rates of cancer caused by cigarette smoking, contaminated food and saturated fat in food.

“Almost 70 percent of cancer cases in western countries are detected in the early stages, while the rate decreases to around 30 percent in Arab countries,” said Munster. “The incidence of breast cancer in Arab countries has increased over the last 40 years from 20 cases per 100,000 women to 46 per 100,000, compared to between 70 and 90 cases in Europe and the USA. The increasing number of breast and colon cancer cases is very apparent. Colon cancer is the most common cancer among men and the second most common cancer after breast cancer among women,” she added.

H.E Ameera Bin Karam, President of FOCP’s Board of Trustees, said: “It is important to promote good diet among people, as the risk of cancer may be reduced by fresh fruit and vegetable consumption. Awareness of the importance of early detection must be further raised as early detection increases the survival rate to around 95 percent. Awareness campaigns should be launched throughout all Arab countries to spread awareness of the importance of early detection of cancer by regular tests and mammography for women aged 40 or over.”

Dr Munster’s research interests include the development of therapies for breast cancer and treatment strategies. She is an expert in histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors and is involved in investigating the benefit of HDAC inhibitors in combination with topo I and topo II inhibitors. Dr Munster specializes in the preservation of ovarian function and fertility in women undergoing treatments for breast cancer, and has an additional interest in the study and treatment of pregnancy-related breast cancer. She is published extensively and is a member of the American Association for Cancer Research, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.

Friends of Cancer Patients is a charity organization established under the umbrella of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in 2000, under the royal patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qassimi, Wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, and Honorary President of FOCP. The society’s principal aims are spreading awareness about cancer detection, treatment and prevention, and providing help and support for cancer patients.

Related posts

• Khalifa (A) Healthcare Center Receives A Delegations from Jordon (0)
• Innovation Of Cancer Treatment Device (0)
• Education From DMI and DWTC on Cervical Cancer (0)
• A Cancer Warrior’s Journey Survivor (0)
• WHO Conducts A study on Mobile-Cancer Link (0)