RIYADH, 10 June 2003 — The National Breast Cancer Treatment Center to be set up at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center will link cancer centers and clinics across the Kingdom. The incidence of breast cancer in the Kingdom is estimated at 34 per 100,000.
The announcement was made at a press conference at King Faisal Specialist Hospital. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd recently donated SR100 million for the establishment of the center, which will function as a referral center for cancer treatment facilities.
It will also formulate guidelines for the treatment of cancer patients and set up training programs. Dr. Abdulrahman Naim, chief operating officer, KFSH & RC, was present at the press conference along with Dr. Adnan Ezzat, chairman, Oncology Department, Dr. Osama Al-Malik, breast cancer surgeon, and Dr. Suad Al-Amer, head, Breast Cancer Research Unit at the hospital.
The new cancer treatment center will be able to read X-rays and mammographs transmitted via fiberoptic cable. It will be an integrated facility with all facilities under one roof. Scheduled for completion in a year, the center will be linked to the European Institute of Oncology in Milan and various centers in the US.
Dr. Naim explained that the hospital had treated more than 47,000 cancer patients over the last 25 years and of that number, 13 percent had breast cancer.
Breast cancer incidence in the Kingdom, Dr. Ezzat said, was one of the world’s lowest at 34 per 100,000 population. Given the fact, however, that 50 percent of the population is under 15, the problem may worsen unless corrective measures are taken.
“Over the next 15 to 20 years, the rate of incidence will remain the same but the prevalence rate will double, especially among those over 55.”
Dr. Ezzat said a team of breast cancer specialists at KFSH had visited various hospitals in the Kingdom to promote awareness of the problem.
The team emphasizes the need for early detection before the disease reaches an advanced stage. “We teach them how to do breast self-examination and why they should consult doctors for an early diagnosis of cancer.”
Dr.Suad stressed the need for early breast cancer detection. Women should conduct monthly check-ups and not hesitate to visit the breast cancer treatment center staffed by female specialists.
Asked if diet and lifestyle played a part in the incidence of breast cancer, Dr. Suad affirmed that a diet high in fat and low in fiber combined with a lack of exercise contributed to the spread of breast cancer.
