Tawam Hospital, in affiliation with John Hopkins Medicine, commissioned a mobile mammography van with a team of experienced professionals that will visit hospitals in western Abu Dhabi on a regular basis.

The first visit to the western region was held recently, and over 100 women from a variety of areas in the western region of the UAE were screened for breast cancer in four days.

The visits are part of an initiative to ensure that every woman, above the age of 40, in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi has access to a mammogram free of charge.

“The mobile mammography van is part of our efforts to raise awareness for the importance of early detection that leads to successful treatment,” said Dr Ghowaya Mohammed Al-Neyadi, family & community medicine specialist and coordinator for the mobile unit at Tawam Hospital.

“However, most women find travelling to Al Ain inconvenient and are one of the reasons they delay check ups. With the unit we can now take the same technology and facilities available at our breast care center to them.”

Screening mammograms are the most common way to detect early-stage breast cancer and will take no longer than 30 minutes on board the van. The process begins with on-site registration, followed by a clinical breast examination by a female doctor or nurse. At this stage clients can share details on breast related history, if applicable.

After this the mammogram will take place and clients will be informed of when and how they will receive their results. Normal results are relayed over the phone and clients can request a written report as well.

“Screening mammograms are the most common and effective way to detect early-stage breast cancer and must be followed up annually by a health care professional. Monthly self examination is also essential to good breast health which, my team and I will be happy to share information on,” said Al-Neyadi.

“The van will be stationed at Madinat Zaid Hospital when on location and visit the outlying areas daily. We will be visiting the Western Region regularly; the next visit is planned for August.”

These visits will be part of the third phase of the pilot programme. Phase one was conducted in five different locations and successfully scanned over 105 women in one week, while Phase 2 conducted 126 mammograms and followed up with more than 20 ultrasound examinations from June 7 to 10. – TradeArabia News Service