Frequently Asked Questions
What is cancer?
Cancer is not a single disease. It is a type of disease. There are over 200 different cancers, and each occurs in its own way. What they have in common is that they all start in the same way – with a change in the normal make-up of a cell.
How does cancer develop and spread?
The division of normal cells is carefully controlled. But abnormal cells divide in an uncontrolled manner, and seem not to know when to stop. Our body's immunity destroys these abnormal cells but rarely these cells will escape our body immunity and form a cluster of abnormal cells this is called a tumor of primary growth.
Not all tumors are cancers; there are two types of tumors – benign and malignant.
Benign tumors are not cancers. They usually do not need treatment. But if they do they can be removed by simple surgery.
It's the malignant ones that can be dangerous; they're the cancers. Malignant tumors can invade nearby parts of the body and may stop the cells from working properly. Also cells, from malignant tumors can break away and travel – through the bloodstream, for instance – to other parts of the body. There they settle, forming new colonies of abnormal cells. These are called secondary growths.
The whole process is known as metastasis. Metastasis is one of the main features of cancer. It also makes it more dangerous. Most lives lost because of cancer occur because of the secondary growths. That is why it is important to spot cancers early, before metastasis has happened.
This is the process which leads to cancer. But remember cancer is not a single disease. All cancers start like this, but what causes them in the first place, and how quickly they grow and spread, can be very different for each individual cancer.
How many UAE nationals get cancer?
Unfortunately this kind of information is not available as currently UAE do not have a unified "Cancer Registry".
But the last Ministry o Health statistics in 2007 estimated that 389 locals both male and female were diagnosed with cancer in 2007.
As the UAE has a transient population, what statistics represent an expatriate?
The latest Ministry o Health statistics in 2007 estimated that 823 non-locals both male and female got cancer in 2007.
What are the most common cancers in the UAE?
The last comprehensive statistic for UAE was in 2007 by the Ministry of Health which stated that the most common cancers in order of importance and prevalence were:
Breast cancer; colorectal cancer; lymph nodes; blood (leukemia); lung; skin; stomach; thyroid; prostate; cervical and others.
Which cancer cause the most deaths?
According to the 2007 statistics it is breast cancer; which is very unfortunate, with early detection this type of cancer can treated with a cure rate is almost 95%.
Can cancers be prevented?
YES! In the year 2010 the UICC (International; Federation For Cancer Control) dedicated the entire 2010 for the campaign "Cancer can be prevented” to, emphasizing on different types of cancer that can be prevented.
If I have cancer will I be able to tell from pain
Unfortunately, cancer can be painless, but if you feel pain for a long time that does not go away please consult your physician, this does not mean you have cancer, it is just better to be safe than sorry.
How would one treat cancer?
There are lots of modalities to treat cancer, according to the type of cancer and the degree of cancer and its spread. The treating doctor will determine the exact regime and methods for treatment.
In general the most common cancer treatment modalities are:
Chemo therapy.
Radiotherapy.
Target Therapy.
Surgery.
Hormone Therapy.
Biological Therapy.
Special therapies: e.g. Bone marrow transplant, proton therapy, gene therapy and other new modalities.
Are there side effects from cancer treatments?
Each one of the modalities listed above has certain side effect, but the benefits of these drugs outweigh its side effect, also the treating doctor can prescribe medication to ease these side effects.
How do I know what treatments will be available?
You doctor will discuss the treatments available to you and all related issues before initiating treatment. "Treatment has to be based on mutual understating and discussion between the doctor and the patient.”
What cancer treatments are available in the UAE?
Currently UAE hospitals offer:
Chemo therapy.
Radiotherapy.
Target Therapy.
Surgery.
Hormone Therapy.
Biological Therapy.
Are clinical trials available in the Middle East?
There are lots of interesting cancer related clinical trials in the Middle East, for more information about this please visit:
http://clinicaltrialsfeeds.org/clinical-trials/browse/locn_cat_ME
Is there free public screenings available in the UAE?
There are a number of free screening centers:
The national breast cancer program offers mammogram at these specialized centers:
Abu Dhabi: 026311172 or 027215525
Al Ain: 037627777
Dubai: 042721670
Sharjah: 065245477
Um Al Quwain : 067655886
Who are eligible for FOCP support and services?
All cancer patients who are UAE residents can benefit from FOCP support and service.
FOCP provide both financial and moral support for cancer patients.
Eligibility criteria and requirements:
Must be a UAE resident.
Must provide a medical report (from a UAE government hospital) that states the current health status (being a cancer patient).
Application form (available from FOCP office)
Passport copy.
Healthcard copy.
National ID copy.
Additional papers as per each case.
How many patients has the FOCP treated since its beginning?
Friends of Cancer Patients have helped over 500 patients and their families over a period of 10 years