Experts discuss Women’s Health Issues: Women’s Health Centre, GMC Hospital and Gulf Medical University Ajman have invited leading experts from all over UAE to discuss various issues related to Women’s Health.

Women’s Health Centre, GMC Hospital and Gulf Medical University Ajman have invited leading experts from all over UAE to discuss various issues related to Women’s Health. The event was held on 20th of March 2010 at GMU Campus in Ajman and was organized as part of International Women’s Day celebrations.

The conference was inaugurated by South African Ambassador to the UAE Yacoob Abba Omar, accompanied by his wife Latifa Abba Omar, President of GMU and GMC Thumbay Moideen, Provost Prof Gita Ashok Raj and other dignitaries.

The doctors, in the field of gynecology and obstetrics, also highlighted the importance of breast cancer and ovarian cancer as early detection is the best way to treat those ailments and get out of the consequences and side effects of painful chemotherapy.

Photo: President Thumbay Moideen honoring HE Yacoob Abba Omar

The doctors, participating in the National Conference on Women’s Health, held a day-long symposium on women’s issues and problem-solving at the GMU campus. The event was attended by over 200 doctors, medics and nurses specialized in the gynecology and obstetrics.

The event was organized by the Women’s Health Centre at GMC Hospital, Ajman, GMU and the Ministry of Health, UAE,

In the first session, Assistant Professor, College of Medicine, GMU Dr Rizwana B Shaikh discussed the importance of regular breast cancer screening for early detection, especially among women with genital or hereditary cancer symptoms. In the second session, Prof Mawahib Abd Salman, also from GMU, discussed cervical cancer and what is new in the treatment of this type of cancer.’

Photo: Latifa Abba Omar honoring Prof Gita Ashok Raj for being a Role Model to Women Professionals

Dr Aruna Kumari, consultant gynecologist at Lifeline Hospital, Abu Dhabi, talking about the screening of ovarian cancer said that it is very difficult to get a thorough physical data on the occurrence of ovarian cancer patients in the UAE as the population is floating.

She, however, added that a casual figure is around one per cent of the women population in the UAE suffers for ovarian cancer. “We do not have a strict registration of such patients here. Women between the post-menopause age of 50-70 are generally prone to ovarian cancer. The mortality rate of ovarian cancer patients is 5 -10 per cent. This high rate is attributed to late detection of the condition,” she said.

The treatment of this type of cancer depends on the condition of the patient. There is surgery and chemotherapy which has serious side effects, the doctor told The Gulf Today.

Photo: Invited speakers with the Chief Guest and the President

Even though breast cancer and ovarian cancer have no direct relations, “if there is a gene in the body of a breast cancer patient, it is always possible. If there are two or more blood relatives with breast cancer, it could be possible for a third one to develop ovarian cancer,” Dr Aruna Kumari, said.

Dr Mohamed Elkalyoubi from Dubai Health Authority, talking on Anti-Mullerian Hormone in women said that the hormone is produced inside the ovaries deficiency of this hormone will lead to impotency due to less production of eggs inside the ovary. The deficiency of this hormone can cause early menopause and related problems. Main causes leading to the hormone deficiency are age, overweight, other diseases, infection and genetic disorders, Dr Elkalyoubi said.

He, however, added the change in lifestyle, especially among expatriate women living in the UAE “will not cause the deficiency of Anti-Mullerian Hormone.

Dr Osama Mahmoud Rizk, consultant obstetrician and gynecologist at GMC Hospital, Fujairah said that deficiency of female hormones in the body adversely affect body aging and continued hormone treatment is not good. .. ‘.

“It is always good that hormone replacement should be limited because it has side effects and risks cancer. The new method of treatment is alternative treatment. The patent has to change her lifestyle. She is advised not to drink coffee, alcohol, refrain from smoking etc which can help.”