Dr Salha Bujassoum Al Bader. Pic: Salim Matramkot / The Peninsula
Most breast cancers are not related to genetics, however, about five to ten percent are due to inherited mutation in the breast or ovarian cancer genes, says an expert.
Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, which is an inherited genetic condition through which a potential cancer risk is passed down from generation to another in a family, said Dr Salha Bujassoum Al Bader, Senior Consultant Medical Oncologist at Hamad Medical Corporation’s National Center for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR).
“Women with a family history of breast and ovarian cancer are prone to have breast cancer association gene known as BRACA 1 and BRACA 2 and at a high risk of developing the disease. If women have a family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer, they are considered as the high risk group,” Dr Salha told The Peninsula.
“There are two types of screening for breast cancer. One is the standardised screening for women without any symptoms and above the age of 45. The other category is the high risk group and it is extremely important such women to be assessed by a medical professional,” she added.
The High Risk Clinic at the NCCCR, which is dedicated to evaluating and managing the risk of cancer for both individuals and their families. The clinic incorporates a multidisciplinary approach with the presence of different sub-specialists. Women with any of history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer risk factors can receive medical assessment and investigation at the clinic, says Dr Salha. The clinic also offers genetic counselling to high-risk patients to assess the possibility of the disease.
The high risk group of women generally have one or more of the following: several close relatives with breast cancer, family members with breast cancer diagnosed under the age of 50, individuals with cancer in both breasts, ovarian cancer in at least one family member, breast and ovarian cancer in the same individual, large number of relatives with other cancers such as prostate and pancreatic cancer and family members with male breast cancers.
While, the high risk group of women are assessed at the NCCCR, the standardised screening is conducted through ‘Screen for Life’ national cancer screening program led by the Primary Health care Corporation (PHCC).
According to Dr Salha, the ongoing awareness activities and Screen for Life has significantly contributed in encouraging women to come forward for screening. However, she says that there is psycho-social barriers within women which prevent them from seeking medical assessment.
“Despite of all awareness activities still there are many patients coming at the advance stage of breast cancer. I think it’s not about awareness but also there is stigma, the psycho-social barriers. They are worried and afraid of coming forward, they can be highly educated but not coming at the right time. They think it’s a small lump, painless, so do not bother to do screening if any symptoms are shown. And some are worried that the symptoms would be a malignant. This prevents them from screening and leads to complications,” said Dr Salha.
“Women should know that there is good healthcare available if they get the disease and we have a specialised hospital with all high technology and treatment methods. It’s not a deadly disease if found at early stage and we are trying to treat patients at their comfort,” she added.
Dr Salha also encourage women to adopt a healthy, stress free life style to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.
