Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has established a survivorship programme - first of its kind in the region, due to high survival rate from breast cancer in the country.
The breast cancer survival rate in Qatar has touched a remarkable level of 84 percent because of high standards of diagnosis and treatment methods, said Chairperson of Medical Oncology and Palliative Care Medicine and Clinical Lead of Breast Cancer Multi Disciplinary Team at HMC’s National Center for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR), Dr. Salha Bujassoum Al Bader.
According to Dr. Al Bader, it is important to note that many breast cancers are treatable and patients can survive if it is diagnosed and treated early.
“The survival rate from breast cancer can reach up to 99 percent if the disease is caught at an early stage. The survival rate is considered higher than other countries,” she told The Peninsula.
HMC established survivorship programme that address patients’ needs and provide continuous monitoring of disease activity outside NCCCR.
“The clinic is first of its kind in the region and run by medical oncologist. The high quality survivorship care includes surveillance for recurrence; monitoring for and managing psychosocial and medical late effects; providing screening recommendations for second cancers," Dr. Al Bader said.
“It also provides health education to survivors regarding their diagnoses, treatment exposures, and potential late and long-term effects; provides referrals to specialists and resources as indicated; familial genetic risk assessment (as appropriate); guidance about diet, exercise, and health promotion activities; and empowering survivors to advocate for their own healthcare needs,” said Dr. Al Bader.
Breast cancer is most common cancer in Qatar, accounting for 31 percent of cancer cases in women. The risk of women in the population developing breast cancer is 56 per 100,000 (source: Qatar Cancer Registry). Both women and men can however be affected by breast cancer.
“Women suspected to have breast cancer will get rapid access to the one stop clinic at HMC through referral from health centers. They will be seen within 48 hours by breast surgeon and undergo imaging, and a biopsy if needed on the same day,” said Dr. Al Bader.
“The optimal care of patients with breast cancer is rapidly changing because of advances in all aspects of patient care. There is an increasing focus on providing multidisciplinary care for patients with complex diseases such as breast cancer using integrated teams of professionals representing the relevant treatment modalities, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and systemic medical interventions,” she added.
According to Dr. Al Bader, most incidents of breast cancers occur randomly, however a small number of cases (5 -10%) are linked to a strong family history of cancer. “The High-Risk Clinic at the NCCCR is dedicated to evaluating and managing the risk of cancer for both individuals and their families. The clinic incorporates a multidisciplinary approach with the presence of different sub-specialists. Women with any of history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer risk factors can receive medical assessment and investigation at the clinic,” she said.
Dr. Al Bader emphasised that it is extremely important for women to be aware of the causes and symptoms of breast cancer; and she recommended that women begin regular breast cancer screening at the age of 45.
