Silkor thinks pink and partners with HAAD in the fight against breast cancer

Silkor, the region's largest laser medical chain, is partnering with the Health Authority - Abu Dhabi (HAAD) in the fight against breast cancer this October, International Breast Cancer Awareness month. Every Silkor center in the UAE has a designated ‘pink corner’, where women can find informative Arabic and English literature (brochures) on any breast cancer concerns. In addition, Silkor will be hosting breast cancer awareness lectures in its Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai and Ras Al Khaymah centers, where women will learn how to acquire preventative measures and receive tips on how to self-examine. Well-known for its policy of free one-on-one skin consultations, Silkor is hoping to replicate its personal touch when it comes to skincare by sharing breast cancer awareness advice throughout the month of October at consultations. 

Lara Tarakjian, Executive Director and Board Member at Silkor Holding, said "A lot of global awareness is spreading to the masses but the objective at Silkor customers on an individual level. During ‘one on one’ consultations and treatments, our medical consultants will advise customers on breast health and encourage these women to go for mammography scans, which as HAAD has made clear, pose as a crucial tool in the fight against breast cancer. If we help to save one life, we will have achieved our goal”.

Mammograms are capable of detecting potential tumors long before traditional symptoms become apparent. This is important because breast cancers that are found during self exam  tend to be larger and are more likely to have already spread beyond the breast. In contrast, breast cancers found during Mammograms are more likely to be small and still confined to the breast. The size of a breast cancer tumor and how far it has spread are important factors in predicting the survival of  woman with the disease. As the chance of developing breast cancer increases with getting older, all females over the age of 40 are encouraged to undergo biannual mammograms in order to facilitate early detection and treatment of the disease. 

Amal Rashidiki, Corporate Medical Director at Silkor, said “Breast cancer awareness is a cause that is very close to our hearts here at Silkor. We decided to raise awareness since  breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of death for women, and is a disease which has touched the lives of almost all of us. Most doctors feel that early detection tests for breast cancer save many thousands of lives each year, and that many more lives could be saved if even more women took advantage of these tests, so we are happy to help in any way to support HAAD in promoting awareness and encouraging women to go for screening”.

Following the introduction of necessary government policy, HAAD reports a raised awareness on breast health in recent years in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, largely due to an increase in the number of public awareness activities organized by HAAD and various government and non-government entities. Dr. Jalaa Taher, Section Head Cancer Control & Prevention at HAAD, said: "The outcome of these activities has resulted in a tremendous reduction in the number of cases presenting with late stage breast cancer from 64% in 2007 to 36% in 2010 in the Emirate."

An active lifestyle is thought to reduce the likelihood of developing the disease, Silkor is also encouraging women to participate in the various sports and activities organized by HAAD throughout the month of October. Silkor is providing lucrative pampering prizes to women participating in the activities, which include polo, football matches, fun runs, and bike rides.