This was discovered in a recent medical camp held by the polyclinic in association with the Indian Medical Association (IMA). Out of the 31 women who underwent preliminary tests to determine cancer, 12 of them were diagnosed with breast cancer symptoms. Dr. Fathima said that the figures are very disturbing because from the women who were diagnosed with cancer, the condition of four is very critical. “Eight of the twelve women had small lumps and tumors and they are still at a curable stage. But that is not the case for the remaining four,” she said. “If not treated in this stage, their condition could get much worse.” “There are millions of expatriate women in the Kingdom and those who underwent the preliminary test are a very minute fraction of them. Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in women,” said Dr. Fathima. She advises women to undergo regular check ups to determine whether they are at risk of developing cancer. “After the age of 40, I recommend every woman to undergo periodic tests to determine whether or not she is at risk of developing breast cancer. Women should get themselves checked at least once a year,” she added. Dr. Fathima remarked that women who are reluctant to breast feed their children and women who get pregnant late are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. “Late pregnancy and women not breast feeding their children are usually more at risk, though genetic reasons and unhealthy lifestyle are also vital factors.” Those expatriate women who undergo preliminary tests to determine breast cancer are still very few and more awareness is needed in this regard, she added. Expatriate women are normally not very aware of the symptoms of cancer and its future consequences. Moreover, the cost of scanning and testing may not be affordable for them. V.A. Ashraf, Managing Director of New Safa Makkah Polyclinic, told Saudi Gazette that they are planning to conduct free breast cancer checkups in future with the help of the Indian Medical Association. He added that the check up has now become a requirement for the expatriate community in Saudi Arabia, many members of whom are reluctant to get such tests done because of the high cost. He said that more than 140 registrations have been received through this initiative and seven female doctors served throughout the camp's duration, where seminars and slideshows were also presented to participants.
