Abu-Dhabi-based Mafraq Hospital’s Ana Rosa women’s health education and screening initiative, launched in 2012, is conducting a breast screening drive in the emirate in partnership with Zayed University’s ‘Ba9ma Club’.

“Mafraq Hospital is committed to developing initiatives that have the potential to save hundreds and thousands of lives. Breast cancer, the second leading cause of death in females in Abu Dhabi, is the main focus for the hospital and the Ana Rosa women health care programme this month,” said Dr Rola Shaheen, acting chair of radiology and chief of women’s imaging.

The Ana Rosa initiative, meaning ‘I am Rose’ in Arabic, was launched to increase women’s access to screening procedures and educate on preventative measures for staying healthy. While breast cancer is a key topic addressed by the programme, it also offers information on cervical cancer and other important health information targeted exclusively towards women.

Breast cancer accounts for 17.5 per cent of all cancer cases in the UAE and is one of the most common cancers in women, said Dr Shaheen.

“We know early detection of breast cancer can save lives, as the earlier a diagnosis is made, the better the chance of successful treatment. While educating women is one tool, we believe that a solid combination of educational programmes, regular clinical screening and self-examinations are essential to early detection,” she added.

As part of screening road show during October, a team of specialised female nurses and experts are available every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday at a special booth set up at Mafraq Hospital for screening women and educating on self-examination.

Volunteers from Ba9ma Club will assist with handing out informative brochures at the hospital, as well as host the hospital’s breast screening team at Zayed University’s Breast Cancer Awareness event from October 22 to 24. - TradeArabia News Service