Oncologists in the UAE have urged women above the age of 40 to start regular breast screening and
warned them against neglecting genetic susceptibility of breast cancer.

Women who have history of breast cancer or relatives with the disease should consider early breast cancer screening, stated officials of the Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD) at a function to mark International Women’s Day.

"Women who have one first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) with breast cancer approximately doubles a woman's risk. Having two first-degree relatives increases her risk three-fold," they pointed out.

Dr Haytham Elsalhat, the surgical oncologist, chief of surgical departments, Al Noor Hospital, Abu Dhabi, said: "Women who are carriers of the Braca I and II genetic mutations are also at a higher risk of developing breast cancer, along with other female malignancies."

"Excess weight and decreased physical activity also plays a role in increasing the risk factor for breast cancer," she noted.

According to him, females with previous history of breast cancer have a three-to-four times higher risk and women with a family history of breast cancer in a father or brother also have an increased risk of breast cancer.

"Additionally, women with dense breasts that appear on a mammogram have a risk of breast cancer one to two times that of women with average breast density. It is important to note that dense breast tissue can also make mammograms less accurate," said the expert.

Citing a recent study from the Women's Health Initiative, Dr Elsalhat said as little as 1.25 to 2.5 hours per week of brisk walking can reduce a woman's risk by 18 per cent.

He will deliberate the genetic susceptibility leading to breast cancer at the Obs-Gyne Exhibition and Congress, organised by Informa Life Sciences Exhibitions, which takes place from March 29 to 31 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.-TradeArabia News Service