“80% of breast and cervical cancer cases are treatable”, say experts at Aster

Doha, October 22nd, 2014: Aster Medical Centre, a division of Aster DM Healthcare, the leading healthcare conglomerate in the Middle East and India, organized an interactive session on breast cancer and cervical cancer to enhance awareness about the disease. With October being marked as the Breast Cancer Awareness month, the interactive session was held for the female staff of Scholars International School, Al Rayyan, on October 22, 2014.

The session was headed by Dr. Jyoti Khanna, an eminent gynecologist and obstetrician having over 17 years of experience as a medical practitioner.  Dr. Jyothi is a gynecologist and obstetrician with Aster Medical Centre, Al Rayyan.

The interactive session threw light on the causes, symptoms, self examination, screenings and treatments of breast cancer and cervical cancer.Dr. Jyothi also provided insights on how women tend to neglect their own health concerns and risk factors of these life threatening conditions.

Commenting on the alarming rates of breast cancer cases in the world, Dr. Jyothi said: “Breast cancer is now a very common form cancer amongst women. Earlier breast cancer was detected only among women who are in between the age group of 40 to 50 and above and who are in their post-menopausal stage. But now women between the age group of 20 to 30 are also at high risk of getting affected with it. Risk is especially increased if a woman has a family history of breast cancer.”

She further added: “80 per cent of breast cancer cases are treatable if it is diagnosed at an early stage. There are various symptoms of this condition wherein a lady herself can identify the threat.  Breast lumps or underarm swelling, pain or tenderness, change in size, color, texture and temperature, change in nipple and unusual discharge from the nipple are the symptoms that should not be underestimated. All women can conduct breast self-examination once in 2 to 6 months to check on for any unusual changes. Being aware of your body is a must for preventing and early treatments of cancer.”

Speaking on Cervical Cancer, Dr.Jyothi said: “Cervical Cancer is also a common condition amongst women. Cervical cancer is caused by HPV Virus. Abnormal bleeding from vagina, change in menstrual cycle which cannot be explained, bleeding when something comes in contact with your cervix, pain during intercourse and vaginal discharge tinged with blood are the symptoms of cervical cancer. Cervical cancer can be avoided be if regular Pap Smear tests are conducted. Pap smear test are beneficial in finding out abnormalities in the cervix which might cause cervical cancer in the future. Vaccinations are also available to prevent HPV from causing cancer.”

Commenting on the initiative, Dr. Sameer Moopan, CEO, DM Healthcare-Qatar, said, “Breast cancer and cervical cancer are the most common cancer among the women worldwide. So, understanding of these conditions is very important amongst women. But what is important is to know being diagnosed with cancer is not the end of your life. They are treatable.”

“We are also very thankful to Scholars International School for their support in making this awareness drive a great success. At Aster, we aim to educate people from all the communities and strata of life on how such life threatening conditions are to be dealt with. We always reach out to help them with preventive measures, so that one can live a positive life ahead.” added Dr. Moopan.