A man in Abu Dhabi urged people to make sure they have regular screenings after he discovered he had two different types of cancer.
Sajjad, a 35-year-old oil worker, noticed a swelling in the base of his neck and took anti-inflammatory medicine to treat the problem.
When the pain did not subside, Sajjad was advised by his doctor to have a biopsy done.
The results showed he had non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a form of blood cancer.
The discovery prompted doctors to conduct a full-body scan to see if the cancer had spread to other parts of Sajjad's body.
It revealed that he also had rectal cancer, meaning Sajjad had to undergo a course of chemotherapy, followed by radiation surgery.
“When you go through an experience like this, it makes you reflect on what’s really important,” he said.
“I’m definitely trying to live a healthier life now, avoiding junk food and getting more exercise. My message to the community is to do everything you can to protect yourself – get screened and keep on top of your health.”
He said balancing the stress of the illness and the side effects of the treatment with work and family commitments seemed impossible at times.
“It was a really difficult time. I have a young family and the treatments really make you feel terrible. Just as I felt I was getting over the side effects it would be time for the next session,” he said.
“However, the support I received from the team at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi helped pull me through.”
After his chemotherapy and radiation therapy sessions were completed, it was time to move to the final part of the treatment.
This involved the removal of his rectum and the lymph node that had been previously detected.
This was done by robotically assisted surgery, which was a success.
Now, after a final round of chemotherapy, Sajjad is living cancer free.
Last month, The National reported on how demand for cancer surgeries was expected to soar due to a combination of unhealthy lifestyles and people living longer than before.
Research by the University of New South Wales revealed the number of cancer operations around the world would leap from nine million to 13.8 million in the next 20 years.
It was recommended that people began regular screening for colon cancer at the age of 40, while anyone who developed symptoms was advised to consult their doctor immediately, regardless of their age.
“Sajjad was really a champion through his whole journey. His diagnosis could have been crushing but he faced up to it and made a fantastic recovery,” said Dr Shafik Sidani, a colorectal surgeon at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.
“His lymphoma diagnosis is what led to his cancer being spotted, which is maybe a silver lining in all this.
“By catching it early, Sajjad had a much better chance of making the recovery he did.”
