DOHA: Almost 40 percent of the tumours reported in females in Qatar are breast cancers according to an expert at the breast cancer awareness lecture organised by Al Amal Hospital in association with the Qatar National Cancer Society (QNCS), recently. Dr Khalid bin Jabor Al Thani, Chairman, QNCS opened the event, one of many activities of the hospital’s month long campaign, which forms part of their Breast Cancer International Awareness Month programme.

Dr Salha Bujassoum, Consultant Oncologist and Hematologist, Al Amal Hospital and Head of the Breast Cancer Screening Programme, delivered a presentation on controlling breast cancer. She highlighted the four methods for early detection of breast cancer and the risk factors of the disease.

“Breast cancer composes 39 percent of the total tumours inflicting women in Qatar. For women in the age group 20-40, approximately 13 percent of the total cancer cases in the country are that of breast cancer. Of this, 23.8 percent are Qataris nationals and 63.2 percent are expats,” said Dr Bujassoum.

She urged women to consult physicians if any change in size, shape or colour of breast is detected. Early detection of the cancer will help increase survival rates. “Due to the increasing rate of breast cancer cases in the community, from 70 cases in 2005 to 112 cases in 2008, it is important to spread awareness. We must enlighten the general public about the importance of early detection and subsequent treatments,” said Nagi Al Mannai, Executive Director, Al Amal, HMC said.

Dr. Naji Al Sagheer, Consultant Hematologist and Oncologist, American University of Beirut Medical Center made a presentation, which highlighted that all tumors detected in the breast are not necessarily dangerous tumors. He emphasised that the diet can influence breast cancer.