As of October 1st, 2012, all healthcare facilities licensed by the Health Authority – Abu Dhabi (HAAD), including: hospitals, clinics, polyclinics, diagnostic centres, such as laboratories and radiological centres, are mandated to report new cancer cases through the cancer e-notification, found at : http://www.haad.ae/haad/tabid/871/Default.aspx
The announcement was made by HAAD on the sidelines of a press conference launching of the ”Cancer Wave Health Promotion Project” for 2012-2013 with the slogan “Live Healthy & Simply Check”.
In addition, healthcare facilities are mandated to report on cancer screening visits and outcomes to the cancer e-notification, as of January 2013, this will cover cancer screenings for breast, colorectal and cervical
Dr. Omniyat Al Hajri, Director of Public Health and Policy Division at HAAD said: "Key Policies on cancer need to be based on reliable data. HAAD has recently created the cancer surveillance e-notification to establish the Abu Dhabi Cancer Registry (ADCR). It was officially announced to all health care providers; facilities and professional on September 10th, 2012. The aim of the cancer registry is to identify risk factors for cancer; plan, monitor and evaluate effective health interventions to control and prevent cancer."
Key statistics:
Abu Dhabi, 2011
• Cancer is the second leading cause of death among national and third among non-nationals. it account for 15% of total deaths
• The 5 most common types of cancer that kill men are (in order of frequency): lung, colorectal and liver, leukemia and pancreas.
• The 5 most common types of cancer that kill women are (in the order of frequency): breast, colorectal, leukemia, liver and pancreas.
• Breast cancer is the most common cancer among all, account for 25% of all cancers, 45% of females’ cancer.
• Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer, account for 9% of all cancers. In Males, it is the most common cancer 14% of all cancer in men and third in females 7% of all cancers. Most (60%) of the colorectal cancer cases were men and 40 % were women, 85% of cases are 40 years and above.
• Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women 7.2%, after breast cancer. About half of all cases of cervical cancer occur in women between 35-55 years of age.
Dr. Khalid Al Jabri, Manager of Non-Communicable Diseases Department said: "Cancer is one disease with more than 100 names. It can affect men and women at any age. Cancer is a preventable disease. Our mission is to reduce the risk, incidence, and deaths from cancer as well as enhance the quality of life for cancer survivors.”
Cancer Facts & Statistics:
• Cancers of major public health relevance such as breast, cervical and colorectal cancer can be cured if detected early and treated adequately
• Regular screening examinations by a health care professional can result in the detection and removal of precancerous growths, as well as the diagnosis of cancers at an early stage, when they are most treatable.
• Cancers of the cervix, colon, and rectum can be prevented by removal of precancerous tissue.
• Screening is known to reduce mortality for cancers of the breast, colon, rectum, and cervix.
• Vaccinations have been associated with the prevention of some cancers. Human papillomavirus prevent 70% of cervical cancer. Hepatitis B vaccine prevents hepatitis B virus, which can cause liver cancer.
• Tobacco use is the most important risk factor for cancer causing 22% of global cancer deaths and 71% of global lung cancer deaths.
• About 30% of cancer deaths are due to the five leading behavioral and dietary risks: high body mass index, low fruit and vegetable intake, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, alcohol
Dr. Jalaa Assad Taher, Section Head, Cancer Control and Prevention said: "Cancer is priority and there is comprehensive plan to control and prevent it including enhancing cancer reporting and monitoring of quality of screening services through establishing the Cancer e-notification. It is mandatory from this month. This year, the cancer awareness is project will cover all breast, colorectal and cervical cancers, almost half of the year is going to be dedicated to community awareness and engagement. We need both men and women to be aware of all cancer preventive options."
Details on all 3 cancers and activities as well as screenings can be found on www.haad.ae/simplycheck.ae
Activities to combat cancer this year includes Developing, producing and disseminating health promotional materials: Brochure/booklets / educational DVD/posters/ Roll up/Pop up, various Community Events (walk, fashion show, fun day,etc) Targeted Public Seminars Coordinate Free or discounted cancer screening for public.
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