DOHA: Many people have a misconception about the opportunity to access cancer care, says an expert.
“A common misconception among many people suffering from cancer is that they don’t have a right to cancer care,” said Dr Noora Al Hammadi, Director, Radiation Oncology Department, National Centre for Cancer Care and Research.
She reassured patients that regardless of their nationality, they will receive world-class treatment compared to that elsewhere in the world.
Dr Al Hammadi was speaking in the backdrop of this year’s theme for World Cancer Day, which is to dispel myths about cancer.
She stressed the importance of timely, efficient and state-of-the-art care and research available at Hamad Medical Corporation’s centre, Qatar’s only specialised cancer care centre.
“Patients can be assured that the standard of care they receive at the centre is world-class as it supports HMC’s vision to improve and maintain the health of the population.”
The misconception may obstruct the path towards seeking efficient treatment and recovery. The sooner a person starts to receive appropriate care, the better the chances are for effective treatment and cure, she said.
Dr Al Hammadi said another common myth about cancer — ‘there is nothing I can do about it’ — can create unreasonable fear of the disease, coupled with unnecessary suffering.
“The most important thing for a person who suspects they might have cancer is to seek medical attention early, engage with your physician and understand the treatment options available,” she said.
At the centre, state-of-the-art facilities for diagnosis, including radiation therapy and treatments for all types of cancers, are available with all patients being discussed by one of 13 multidisciplinary teams who deal with specific cancers.
“The Radiation Oncology Department is equipped with state-of-the-art imaging and radiotherapy machines which enable physicians to confirm and assess the exact tumour position within the body through focused images.
“This allows us to treat tumours with pin-pointed accuracy, protecting healthy tissues around them,” she added.
Although some people may experience no symptoms in the initial stages, common symptoms that should raise an alarm can be remembered as CAUTION: Change in bowel or bladder habits, A sore that does not heal, Unusual bleeding or discharge, Thickening or lump in the breast, testicles or elsewhere, Indigestion or difficulty swallowing, Obvious change in the size, colour, shape or thickness of a wart, mole or mouth sore and Nagging cough or hoarseness.
Unexplained rapid weight loss is also a symptom that should prompt a person to seek medical advice and the first place to go to is the family doctor.
“It is important that we all participate in screening programmes and undergo annual check-ups with our families to ensure they are healthy and free of cancer,” she said.
The Peninsula
