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.”

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“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.

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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.

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“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.

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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.”

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