Doha, 6th June 2010: The 3rd Qatar Radiology Symposium concluded at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), with a call from experts to tackle breast cancer through an effective breast screening program. The two day symposium saw a number of presentations being made by leading experts from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, who shared their experience of fighting breast cancer through a national early detection program.

With 112 cases being detected in 2008, breast cancer is the most common malignant tumour in Qatar, claimed doctors.  "Women between the age group of 40-70 are most at risk of breast cancer and should get themselves checked regularly for early detection of the disease, in order receive effective treatment. Early mammography in women can reduce mortality rate by 30%," said Dr. Amal Al-Obaidli, Head of Breast Imaging at HMC.

One of the key speakers during the two day radiology symposium was Dr. Nouralhuda Karamani, Founder of Breast Care Unit in Kuwait, who shared her experience of launching the national breast screening program in Kuwait.

"The biggest challenge in the GCC area is the cultural barrier to the disease. People have to understand that breast cancer is not only a women's issue. The problem affects the whole family and society has to remove the stigma and myths associated with breast cancer. The national program in Kuwait involved screening of all healthy women in the age group of 40-70. We know that for every 500 women screened one life is saved," said Dr. Noualhuda Karamani.

The two day symposium also saw special sessions on breast imaging being conducted by eminent experts from Qatar. Public awareness classes on various self examination methodologies for women were also held at Medical Education Center.

Dr. Ahmed Omar, President of the Radiology Symposium and Acting Chairman of the Radiology Department in his address stated that HMC was fully prepared to be part of the national breast screening program and was eagerly awaiting its launch in Qatar.

"We will be installing three new MRI machines in the very near future. Also plans are in place to obtain a Positron Emission Tomography/ Computed Tomography (PET/CT) imaging facility, which will enable us to detect tumour as small as 2mm," added Dr. Ahmed Omar.

The 3rd Qatar Radiology Symposium included scientific sessions related to imaging of the heart, brain and other sub-specialities. A cultural and social event was also held at Sheraton Hotel to honour senior radiology staff working at HMC.

"The radiology symposium has been a great success. More than 30 scientific presentations from eminent experts from the GCC as well as from Qatar took part. We have also been able to create public awareness about breast screening in Qatar," said Dr. Adham Darweesh, Consultant and a key member of the organizing committee of the symposium. 

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About HMC:
Hamad Medical Corporation is the premier non-profit health care provider in Doha, Qatar.  It was established by Emiri decree in 1979 and manages five highly specialized hospitals, namely, Hamad General Hospital, Rumailah Hospital, Women's Hospital, Al Amal Hospital and Al Khor Hospital.  Since its establishment, HMC has rapidly developed medical facilities capable of providing state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment of diseases that previously could only be managed in overseas medical centers.

HMC prides itself in providing quality and cost efficient health care for all patients regardless of nationality, in line with the State of Qatar's pledge of "Health for All".  For this purpose, the Corporation implements a policy of continuous improvement of all management systems and patient care protocols. HMC's ethos is based on three key pillars which are Health, Education and Research.

www.hmc.org.qa

For more information, please contact:
Marketing and Public Relations Department
Hamad Medical Corporation
Tel. No.: +974 439 6126
Fax No.: +974 439 5002 

© Press Release 2010