A new service has been launched at the National Centre for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR) for the early diagnosis of hereditary breast cancer, local Arabic daily Al Sharq has reported, quoting a senior official.
Dr Salha Bujassoum al-Bader, senior consultant, haematologist and medical oncologist at NCCCR, said the service is being provided in a specialised clinic that is the first of its kind in the Middle East, the report states.
Dr al-Bader explained that the service targets women whose families have a history of cancer, especially breast and ovarian cancer. She added that 10% of breast cancer cases occur due to hereditary reasons, it adds.
The senior consultant said the centre seeks to provide the service to detect breast cancer at an early age. She said the NCCCR raises awareness of the disease and provides guidance on how to conduct self-examination. Before conducting the genetic test, the centre provides consultation to women in order to prepare them psychologically to accept the results of the examination, it adds. A scientific conference has also been lined up to discuss the nature of the new service.
