Doha, October 05 (QNA) - The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) launched its breast cancer awareness campaign entitled 'Early Detection is the Key' with the aim of reminding women of the ease of undergoing early examination for breast cancer in the early detection centers of its affiliated centers and encouraged them to take the examination in the absence of any signs or symptoms.
PHCC encouraged every woman in the State of Qatar to book an appointment for an early detection test for breast cancer, noting that the early detection service depends on inviting the public in the targeted age groups to conduct these examinations in the approved wards of the designated health centers.
PHCC invites women between 45-69 who do not suffer from any symptoms to undergo early detection of breast cancer every three years using a mammogram, adding that the examination takes less than 20 minutes, with privacy and psychological comfort provided. If the results are positive, the patient is contacted and an appointment is set for an interview with the doctor, and then transferred to the specialized clinics at Hamad Medical Corporation.
Director of Early Detection Programs at PHCC Dr. Sheikha Abu Sheikha said that early detection contributes to a cure rate of between 98-100 percent in cases of breast cancer, because the earlier it is detected, the greater the chance of recovery and a normal life.
She stressed that PHCC is always keen to remind women of the necessity of early detection of breast cancer every three years, as a one-time examination does not necessarily mean obtaining the full required preventive care. She explained that early detections help find any abnormal tissue or cancer before symptoms appear, and revealed that since the program was launched in 2016, 37,372 women have been examined.
The health centers in which PHCC allocated special facilities for early detection of breast cancer are Al Wakra, Rawdat Al Khail, Leabaib and Muaither Health Centers, in addition to a mobile examination unit used to provide early detection examination for women who are unable to go to the designated examination wards.
These centers provide a free examination to all eligible target groups who are invited to conduct a routine examination at specific intervals, where they undergo a mammogram, which is used to detect breast cancer.
Those wishing to undergo early detection of breast cancer should call 800 1112 to book an appointment. (QNA)