Sheikha Hind bint Faisal Al Qasimi has inaugurated a new medical unit for breast cancer treatment in Sharjah. The member of the Sharjah Royal Family, who opened the centre in Al Zahra Hospital on Monday, urged women in their thirties and above to go for regular screening. Sheikha Hind said early detection was the key to fight the disease, and the new unit could help screen more women and offer therapy after diagnosis. World Health Organisation figures show 1,054 cases were detected in 2018, which was about 22 per cent of all cancer diagnoses in the Emirates. "Health is the most important thing that a person has and is more important than money and success,” said Sheikha Hind. Early detection could lead to a higher recovery and survival rate, she said. Dr Kishan Pakkal, general manager of Al Zahra Hospital, also stressed the importance of regular screenings. “Although we have doctors who do surgeries and treatments we believe in the importance of prevention and self checks,” he said. “We advice women to do the breast check-up regularly. Our doctors are on hand to offer advice about the procedures for self check-up.” A multidisciplinary team of specialists will offer treatment and services at the new centre, said Dr Nadeem Akhtar, consultant plastic surgeon at the hospital.
