Fujifilm supports Dubai event to increase breast cancer screening capacity in the UAE

Professor László Tabár, one of the world’s leading experts in the detection and diagnosis of breast cancer, has called for increased breast cancer screening capacity in the United Arab Emirates, to help reduce mortality from the disease which is a leading killer of Arab women.

“Despite the admirable commitment of the UAE health authorities, local screening capacity is actually low compared to other developed countries because of lack of demand from women themselves,” Dr Tabár said on the sidelines of an expert conference for doctors and radiologists.



“Too many women in the UAE and Arab region only seek examination and medical care when they feel something may be wrong. Unfortunately by then it may be too late for them to benefit fully from the advanced medical capabilities for treating breast cancer in this country. This is a tragedy for these women, their families, and the nation.”



Abu Dhabi has implemented a screening programme for national women, whilst provision elsewhere varies by Emirate. Breast cancer screening for expatriates is covered by some health insurance policies.



Routine screening is recommended by authorities every two years for women over 40 years of age. Based on his own experience and expertise, Dr Tabár recommends women between 40 and 54 years old seek screening at least every 18 months and preferably every year and that women over 55 should consider screening every 18 months.



Because many women do not follow this recommendation, Fujifilm, the world and local market leader in digital mammography, believes that there are just 40 mammogram machines operating in the UAE.



When calculated per 100,000 women, Canada has double the installed capacity of the UAE and Switzerland has four times as many machines.



Dr Tabár was speaking at an expert seminar at Iranian Hospital in Dubai designed to further improve the expertise of local and regional doctors and radiologists in breast cancer detection and diagnosis, the latest in a series he has led around the world to pass on his 40 years of experience in the field.



Fujifilm supported the event as part of its contribution to society, by providing machines for use during the training.



Dr Asma Khammas is a specialist in radiology at the Ministry of Health, Head of the Breast Imaging Unit in Fujairah and Breast Imager at the Ministry of Health’s National Breast Screening Program.



She participated in the seminar and said: “Unfortunately, I see too many patients for the first time when their disease is already advanced. However, hope comes when I see those few whose disease is detected early, enabling effective treatment that allows them to live long fulfilling lives.



“Thanks to the support of our great Leaders in the UAE and their constant interest in spreading awareness of early detection and providing us with the most advanced technology, we are able to screen patients effectively if they come to us.



“I believe that this generous visit of Professor Tabár, who is a legend in our field, will have a very positive impact on the future of breast imaging in the UAE.”



Dr Tabár is Professor Emeritus of Radiology at Falun Central Hospital in Sweden. His four decades of pioneering research have laid the foundation for early breast cancer detection through modern mammographic screening.



As a clinician, Dr Tabár has applied his expertise to the interpretation of well over one million mammograms, experience he has passed on to fellow medical professionals through training worldwide.



Fujifilm has a long term commitment to helping regional and global medical professionals to improve standards of breast cancer detection. The company has supported with world experts such as Dr Tabár and US-based Dr Michael Linver on continuing medical education events for the past five years.