Cancer is one of the major causes of fatalities globally and the third in the UAE, said a senior official.

Dr Ahmed bin Kalban, CEO of the Primary Healthcare Sector at the DHA, also pointed out that 40 per cent of cancer fatalities can be avoided by prevention and early detection, in his inaugural address at the UAE Cancer Congress.

The event is being held at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel and is being attended over 750 by doctors and specialists from around the world.

Dr Kalban mentioned that World Health Organisation (WHO) estimations indicate that the number of global cancer fatalities is expected to rise to 13 million in 2030.

Recent years have realised rapid developments and serious global efforts in fields of diagnosis and treatment of different types of cancerous tumors, he noted. Despite the efforts made to improve patient treatment and care, the Arab region is still witnessing a significant rise in the numbers of patients suffering from these diseases.

Dr Shaheenah Dawood, congress president and head of Medical Oncology at Dubai Hospital, said that the congress sessions will include a number of educational and scientific lectures, and interactive discussions about head and neck cancers.

The event witnesses dedicated sessions on: proper nutrition for cancer patients, surgical removal of breast cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, lung cancer, and breast cancer.

It also includes special training courses for nurses focusing on providing the necessary knowledge to improve patient care skills. The sessions will also discuss the role of nurses specialised in oncology in implementing the best practices, and how they can extend to their patients and profession the highest possible level of nursing care.

An exhibition with the participation of more than 23 global companies is also being held and five awards were presented to the best abstract submissions from the region at the opening ceremony. - TradeArabia News Service