The United Arab Emirates (UAE) joins other nations across the globe this October in the battle against breast cancer. Two factors make the UAE’s actions most notable. The first is the high mortality rate associated with breast cancer and the second are the cultural taboos which deter women from coming forward for early diagnosis and screening.
Indeed early diagnosis and regular testing are the cornerstones for this year’s many campaigns throughout the UAE. Currently, breast cancer is the most common cancer afflicting both Emirati and expat women alike. Twenty-eight percent of all female deaths in the UAE are from breast cancer, making it the second most common cause of death. Additionally, forty-four percent of women diagnosed in the UAE with breast cancer die from the disease.
Comparing Statistics: UAE, the US and the UK
Compare these numbers to the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK). In the US according to a 2005 report from the Center for Disease Control, Breast cancer was the fifth leading cause of death among US women. In a report released this year from the American Cancer Society death rates have and are continuing to decline by more than 2 percent annually. In the UK Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed, and the second most common cause of death from cancer.
Although more women in both the US and the UK are diagnosed compared to the UAE, the mortality rate in the UAE is far greater. This statistic reflects the aversion to screenings; which can provide early diagnosis, multiple treatment options and increase a woman’s chance of survival.
Fighting Taboos
Several breast cancer survivors are starting to speak out against the cultural stigma they each faced prior to their diagnosis and treatment. One survivor spoke out saying:
“ ‘I was afraid what people would say about my children, and I was worried that no one would want to marry my daughters when they found out about my cancer...’ ” (The National: Rym Ghazal). In addition to fears of one’s cancer shaming her family, other inhibitions discussed by survivors are the result of childhood lessons. These women were taught that it was shameful to touch or even discuss their bodies. To utter the word breast was unthinkable. Still another survivor admitted her husband divorced her upon learning of her diagnosis.
To counter such notions, which run deep throughout the Emirati culture, these women are taking their stories public. Joining them in the effort are the various governments of the Emirates, namely Abu Dhabi (the capital of the UAE) and Dubai. Additionally. A federal mandate was issued requiring mammograms for all Emirati women aged between forty and sixty-nine. This exam must be performed prior to renewing their national health care card.
Signs of Change and the Continued Fight
Perhaps the most far-reaching tool of the fight against breast cancer in the UAE will be the new documentary entitled “Healing and Hope”. The true effect of the film is yet to be seen, however its screening and positive reception at this year’s Middle East International Film Festival proves its timeliness. This film is the product of the collaboration between HAAD and the Red Crescent Authority-UAE.
The nearly twenty-minute film highlights survivors, both Emiratis and expats. In addition to interviews with these women sharing their fears and journeys, doctors are also interviewed to provide important facts and statistics. The website associated with the film also provides a link through which one can book a mammography appointment. The website also hosts an internal form to “share your thoughts”, plus additional facts and figures and additional videos. “Healing and Hope” is a breakthrough film, the first to address the subject of breast cancer produced in the UAE.
It is clear that the initiatives undertaken over the past few years have had an effect. According to Zaid Al Siksek, CEO of HAAD, mammogram screenings have increased from sixteen percent in 2008 to sixty-nine percent in 2009. While this is indeed a cause for celebration, much more needs to be done if the mortality rates are to be reduced. Experts claim that if all women aged forty years and above performed medical and self-examinations, breast cancer rates would be reduced by thirty percent.
Dr. Patricia Snouzyk, Chair of the Ladies of Courage support group in Abu Dhabi advised women in the UAE to begin regular self-examinations early on in order to learn what is normal for them; assisting them in detecting a lump should one ever appear. She also advised women forty and above to have a mammogram every one to two years. Yet such steps should not be limited to women in this age bracket. Although they are globally the most effected, breast cancer diagnoses have befallen women in the UAE aged nineteen to thirty. If detected and treated early, women diagnosed with breast cancer have a 90% recovery rate.
References:
Underwood . M, Al Romaithi. H. Al Shamsi. F. (8, July, 2008). Lives Depend on Breaking Taboos. The National. Retrieved from http://www.thenational.ae/article/20080708/NATIONAL/715174480/1001/FRONTPAGE
Lucas. B. (5, October, 2009) Breast Cancer UAE. Time Out Dubai. Retrieved from http://www.timeoutdubai.com/bodyandmind/features/10953-breast-cancer-uae
Welcome to Breast Cancer Awareness (Copyright © 2009 Health Authority Abu Dhabi). Simply Check. Retrieved from http://www.simplycheck.ae/en/index.html
The Dubai Health Authority And Dubai Women’s College Organize Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign. (11 October 2009). Dubai City Guide. Retrieved from http://www.dubaicityguide.com/site/news/news-details.asp?newsid=26165
