A world record has been set for the largest simultaneous self-examination for breast cancer, with 971 women participating in the Capital on Wednesday. Organised by VPS Healthcare, an integrated healthcare solution provider with a network of hospitals and chain of clinics, the event was held at Zayed University under the patronage of Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of International Cooperation and Development and president of the university.
This initiative is part of the healthcare provider's CSR initiative to raise awareness and provide education about breast cancer. The Guinness World Records has awarded the title to VPS Healthcare. The previous record was held by the Amazon's Association in Warsaw, Poland, achieved on September 8, 2012 in which 380 women participated.
Breast cancer is one of the leading cancers in the U.A.E.. Compared to Western countries where the disease is typically discovered in earlier, more treatable stages, many cases are discovered in the advanced stages in the U.A.E..
"Women are an integral part of our community and play an important role in the maintenance of both family and society,” said Vinay Batra, CEO Diagnostic Services, VPS Healthcare.
"The impact of the disease, unfortunately, is far greater than the statistics available on diagnosis. Many women are reluctant to have a breast exam because they fear a cancer diagnosis may lead to a mastectomy. Through these kinds of awareness campaigns, we are trying to create a paradigm shift in women's perspectives on prevention, since early detection of the disease is the key to survival.”
The most common symptoms of breast cancer are the presence of lumps in the breast. "There are four stages of breast cancer and detection in the early stages vastly increases the chances of survival compared to detection in stage four,” said Dr Eshrak Al Attar, LLH hospital Abu Dhabi.
After an educational session and self-examination, Turath Alsaraf, director of the Records Management Team at the UK-based Guinness World Records, announced the results in front of hundreds of female participants, awarding VPS Healthcare the title for holding the largest simultaneous self-examination for breast cancer in history.
"It's very important to detect cancer before it reaches the later stages, therefore it was very significant that over twice the number of women attended this time than the previous record. They became aware of how to perform the exam, and can now spread the knowledge on to others,” Alsaraf said.
"It was very impressive to see the enthusiasm of so many women eager to participate in something exciting,” said Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, managing director, VPS Healthcare.
Source: Khaleej Times