Some of the speakers at the conference.
Breast cancer prevention, early diagnosis and the latest management techniques were the focus of the fourth annual Breast Cancer Conference 2015 recently organised by Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC).
The two-day conference held on the theme: “Collaborating to Improve Breast Cancer Care” featured lectures and workshops by regional and international experts. A variety of topics were covered during the conference including updates on surgical management of breast cancer, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.
More than 300 healthcare professionals took part in the event that supported the annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Senior consultant medical oncologist from the National Centre for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR) at HMC and director of the HMC Breast Cancer Screening Programme, Dr Salha Bujassoum al-Bader said: “This annual conference provides a unique platform to healthcare professionals to engage in a thought-provoking experience aimed at facilitating the advancement of breast cancer care.”
Dr al-Bader spoke about breast cancer care in Qatar and highlighted an HMC study that identified a significant increase in the public’s willingness to participate in breast cancer screening and be breast aware in the country. The study also found that breast cancer incidence in Qatar is higher in women aged 43 to 52 years.
“In addition to being breast aware and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, it is recommended that women without any signs and symptoms begin regular mammogram screening at the age 45 and above. To book an appointment for a mammogram screening, women can call the Breast Cancer Screening Unit at NCCCR on 44398994 from 8am to 2pm (Sunday to Thursday),” Dr al-Bader said.
One of the distinguished speakers at the conference, Dr Ibrahim Nuhad, medical oncologist from MD Anderson Cancer Centre in Texas, United States, praised HMC’s effort to bring together an international community of speakers at the conference.
“Conferences like this are very important to the ongoing development of breast cancer care services in Qatar and in the region. In addition, I believe the ongoing accumulation of data about the patients in the country will assist the investigators at NCCCR to develop strategies to better minimise the impact of breast cancer in Qatar,” Dr Nuhad said.
Dr Nuhad presented an insightful lecture on recent advances in the management of metastatic breast cancer. He said that the treatment of metastatic breast cancer is challenging, however recent advances concerning some type of tumours show improvement in survival rates of those affected with it.
The event also included a dedicated mini symposium on radiotherapy, highlighting modern techniques in the treatment of breast cancer at NCCCR. The Breast Cancer Screening team at HMC also conducted several workshops entitled: “Be Breast Aware” – explaining to participants about how to be alert and notice any concerning symptoms.
