Cancer is 3rd leading cause of death in UAE
DUBAI, January 19, 2015
Cancer is the third leading cause of death in the UAE after cardiovascular diseases and accident and is the reason behind around 500 deaths annually, according to the country’s Ministry of Health statistics for 2014.
Burjeel Hospital for Advanced Surgery has launched a machine that will allow for a full body MRI scan that can detect cancers in most of the body parts, said a statement.
Dr Mohamad Helaly, consultant radiologist at Burjeel Hospital for Advanced Surgery, said that such a scan can detect cancers in most of the body parts, vascular changes in patients with diabetes and most of generalised and localised diseases.
“A full body MRI scan takes 30 minutes. However it must be confused as providing a complete picture of an illness rather it gives an indicator to the doctor to probe further,” said Dr Helaly.
“Burjeel Hospital for Advanced Surgery takes the full body scan one step further by offering exploratory scans like a CT or Ultrasound if the full body scan reveals a problem.”
“We are encouraging people to come in for the full body MRI scan because it is completely harmless with no exposure to radiation, is fully noninvasive, has no side effects, requires no prior preparations and complements other investigations allowing doctors to do a more thorough evaluation of any disease,” Dr Helaly continued.
“In order to ensure the comfort and enjoyment of the patient we allow them to listen to their favourite music as the scan takes place. Most people are squeamish about being enclosed in the MRI machine and are dreading possible bad news so we try to make them as relaxed as possible.”
Dr Shajir Gaffar, chief executive officer, said: “The early detection of illnesses ensure an effective treatment plan and the quick recovery of a patient and hence Burjeel Hospital for Advanced Surgery offers the full body MRI scan package in an attempt to encourage UAE residents to be conscious of their health.
“This offering is part of Burjeel’s commitment to the sound health of Dubai’s and ultimately UAE’s residents.” - TradeArabia News Service
