Sharjah, 26th Apr. 2014 (WAM) - The Chronic Myloid Leukemia (CML) Support Group, which was constituted by the Friends of Cancer Patients society to support CML patients and create awareness about the chronic illness, held its second meeting on Saturday, 26th April at Centro Capital Centre, Abu Dhabi.

The second CML Support Group meeting ? a setting which served as a comfortable environment for the patients to share their experiences, fears and challenges - revisited the initial discussion that took place in late January to evaluate the pressing issues CML patients face while dealing with their condition.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Sawsan Al Madhi, Secretary General for the Friends of Cancer Patients society (FoCP) said, "Through CML Support group meetings, we want to come up with ways that will not only decrease cancer incidence but truly touch the lives of these patients by providing them with educational resources they can benefit from. Awareness programmes can have a deep impact on how CML is perceived and addressed. We want to create awareness within the medical fraternity and among the community at large to develop an all-out support system for these cancer patients. People need to be aware that CML is not terminal, it?s chronic, and with due support, patients can live full lives."Dr Al Madhi went on to add "The last meeting brought into national focus the brave stories of CML patients who have been overcoming the challenges and giving back to the community by way of their professional and personal excellence. I am sure that if the cause of CML patients is advocated in a more vigorous and proactive manner, many precious lives will be saved."The 2nd CML support group meeting was attended by the medical fraternity, patients, their families as well as members of the community and reviewed all that was needed to be done to address the plight of CML patients.

During the meeting, Mahmoud Ibrahim Mohamad, the 29-year old Egyptian national, who was diagnosed with CML two years ago, said, "My CML was diagnosed in its early stages 2012. I was administered oral chemotherapy drugs, but after initial side effects, I resumed my duties and reported regularly to work. It has been nearly 2 years since the diagnosis and I?m leading a very normal life. Although CML is a life-long condition, it makes a lot of difference if the illness is detected in its earlier stages. I commend the efforts of the FoCP in terms of spreading awareness about Chronic Myloid Leukemia being a chronic condition and not a terminal one. I am glad that the society has launched this support group, as the awareness will help many CML patients." Another CML patient, Krishna J. Kumbla, aged 58 from Al Ain, was diagnosed with CML in November 2012. He said, "I attended the two meetings of the CML Support Group. I have great appreciation for their objective of enhancing awareness about CML within the community and it is my hope that this awareness would lead to better financial support programmes for CML patients. CML is a life-long condition, and although patients can lead very normal lives, the cost of medication is usually very high." Awareness about timely testing, diagnosis and line of treatment has proven to be critical for CML patients and their ability to lead full lives. Several more support group meetings have been planned for the rest of the year, to generate much needed awareness around Chronic Myloid Leukemia.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2014.