AJMAN // Sheikh Khalifa Hospital in Ajman unveiled a new digital mammogram machine capable of detecting early signs of breast cancer at the launch of a month-long campaign targeting women over 40 and schoolgirls. Dr Hamad al Shamsi, the hospital's head, said the digital X-ray machine, which cost Dh5.2million (US$1.4m), was one of the most advanced in the country. "It is fast and accurate and allows doctors to check the disease from its source."
Dr Ayad al Shara, head of the hospital's X-ray department, said the device produced high-speed digital photographs of great precision and clarity within seconds and was very efficient at detecting breast cancer even in its initial stages. Digital mammography could cut the number of patient recalls because it was better at diagnosing cases non-digital devices found difficult to evaluate, he said. "We can also provide the patient with a copy of the images on a CD-ROM, which she can take to her clinic doctor for treatment."
Mammography, together with physical breast examination, is the first step in breast cancer screening. Other techniques, such as ultrasound, ductography, and magnetic resonance imaging, are additional diagnostic tools. Ultrasound is used for further evaluation of masses detected by a mammogram, and ductograms are used to evaluate bloody nipple discharge. Dr Hamad said in addition to women over 40, the hospital's anti-breast cancer campaign was handing out leaflets to raise awareness of the disease among young girls. Lectures were also being held in six secondary girls' schools in Manama, Masfoot and Ajman City.
Dr Amira Sattar, director of maternal and child welfare in Ajman medical zone, said it was essential for all women to know more about the disease and to undergo breast screening. ykakande@thenational.ae