In a groundbreaking effort to enhance public health, the Burjeel Cancer Institute has launched a mobile breast cancer screening initiative aimed at making early detection accessible to all. This innovative program brings state-of-the-art screening facilities directly to communities, eliminating barriers such as distance, cost, and lack of awareness. The mobile unit is equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and staffed by experienced healthcare professionals, ensuring high-quality care. The initiative focuses on underserved areas where access to healthcare is limited, emphasizing the importance of early detection in improving survival rates. By taking healthcare on the road, Burjeel Cancer Institute is not only addressing a critical public health issue but also empowering individuals to take proactive steps in managing their health. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to combat breast cancer, which remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths globally. The program has already garnered widespread support and is expected to make a significant impact in reducing the burden of breast cancer in the region.
分类： health
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Early detection on wheels: Burjeel Cancer Institute’s drive to make breast cancer screening accessible for all
In a groundbreaking effort to make breast cancer screening more accessible, Burjeel Cancer Institute (BCI) has launched the ‘Scan for Life’ campaign, a mobile mammogram program designed to bring early detection and education directly to communities across the UAE. The initiative, which kicked off during Pink October, features a bright pink mammogram truck equipped with state-of-the-art digital mammography systems, operated by an all-female team to ensure privacy and comfort for participants. The mobile unit has already visited key locations in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra, with plans to expand to Dubai and Sharjah soon. At each stop, BCI specialists conduct educational talks on breast health, teaching women how to perform self-examinations and recognize early warning signs. The campaign has been met with overwhelming positivity, with hundreds of women screened since its launch. For those requiring further assessment, BCI provides seamless follow-up at its Breast Centre in Burjeel Medical City, where advanced imaging and same-day diagnosis are available. The Breast Centre, launched in April 2025, offers AI-assisted imaging and a Survivorship Programme to support women post-treatment. Dr. Diaeddine Trad, Director & Consultant Medical Oncology at BCI, emphasized the importance of early detection, stating, ‘The earlier breast cancer is detected, the better the chances of successful treatment.’ The campaign’s success lies in its integration of education, technology, and empathy, making it a model for community-centered healthcare. ‘Every woman screened today is one step closer to saving a life tomorrow,’ said Dr. Dima Abdul Jabbar, Consultant Medical Oncology and Director of Burjeel Breast Centre. Through this initiative, BCI is redefining how healthcare systems can reach out, listen, and care, proving that access to life-saving care should not depend on geography or circumstances.
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Climate change intensified India’s heatwaves in 2024 – Lancet study
India has been grappling with increasingly severe heatwaves, a phenomenon exacerbated by climate change, according to a recent report by The Lancet. The study revealed that nearly one-third of the 19.8 heatwave days recorded in India in 2024 were directly attributable to human-induced climate change, equating to 6.6 days that would not have occurred otherwise. These extreme temperatures have had profound consequences, resulting in the loss of 247 billion potential labor hours, primarily in agriculture and construction, and causing an estimated economic loss of $194 billion. The report also highlighted the escalating health risks associated with prolonged exposure to extreme heat, including dehydration, heatstroke, cardiovascular stress, and increased mortality, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly, infants, and outdoor workers. The Lancet Countdown report, a key scientific reference on the health impacts of climate change, emphasized that the health risks posed by rising global temperatures are now more severe than ever. It noted that 152 record-breaking extreme weather events occurred across 61 countries in 2024, with life-threatening heat events becoming more intense than previously predicted. Jeremy Farrar, assistant director-general for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention and Care at the World Health Organization (WHO), stated, ‘The climate crisis is a health crisis. Every fraction of a degree of warming costs lives and livelihoods.’ The report also found that heat-related mortality has increased by 23% worldwide since the 1990s, with an average of around 546,000 deaths annually. Additionally, the report shed light on India’s worsening air quality, particularly in the Indo-Gangetic plains, where air pollution levels have remained in the ‘poor’ to ‘very poor’ categories, sometimes reaching hazardous levels. In 2022, atmospheric pollution, primarily caused by PM2.5 pollutants, was responsible for 1.7 million deaths, with 44% of these deaths linked to harmful emissions from burning fossil fuels. The report also highlighted the deadly impact of heavy reliance on biofuels such as wood, dung, and crop residue for cooking, which continues to claim thousands of lives, especially among women and children in rural areas. The findings were released ahead of the COP30 summit in Brazil, underscoring the urgent need for global action to address the intertwined crises of climate change and public health.
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Sharjah Next launched: New event brings together experts to discuss healthcare innovation
Sharjah has taken a bold step forward in healthcare innovation with the launch of ‘Sharjah Next,’ a groundbreaking global series initiated by the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK). The inaugural event, titled ‘Sharjah Next: Healthcare,’ kicked off on October 29, 2025, with a two-day program dedicated to exploring cutting-edge advancements in the medical field. The event was graced by the presence of Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, and Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SPARK’s Board of Directors.
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Egg freezing before cancer treatment gives young women hope for future motherhood
As October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Orchid Fertility highlights a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of cancer care: fertility preservation. For many young women and men, a cancer diagnosis during their reproductive years can jeopardize their dreams of parenthood due to the damaging effects of treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. Fertility preservation, or cryopreservation, offers a lifeline by enabling patients to freeze eggs, sperm, or embryos before undergoing cancer therapy, safeguarding their ability to have biological children in the future. Despite growing awareness of early cancer detection and treatment, fertility preservation remains underdiscussed, a gap Orchid Fertility aims to bridge. Dr. Partha Sarathi Das, Medical Director at Orchid Fertility, emphasizes that decisions made before treatment can profoundly impact a patient’s future family-building options. Modern cryopreservation techniques provide tangible hope for young patients, allowing them to preserve their fertility potential before life-saving therapies. For women, egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation) is particularly valuable, as it can be initiated quickly without delaying cancer treatment. Men can opt for sperm freezing, a straightforward procedure, while couples may choose embryo cryopreservation. Advanced methods like ovarian tissue cryopreservation are also emerging for patients who cannot delay treatment or are prepubescent. A 33-year-old woman diagnosed with diffuse large B cell lymphoma exemplifies the transformative impact of fertility preservation. After freezing her eggs before chemotherapy, she later returned to undergo further fertility treatment, resulting in healthy embryos stored for future use. Her story underscores how timely fertility preservation empowers cancer survivors to pursue parenthood on their terms. With breast cancer survival rates improving, the ability to start a family post-treatment is increasingly recognized as a vital component of comprehensive care. Dr. Das advocates for integrating fertility preservation into every cancer care plan for young patients, offering hope, choice, and a sense of normalcy during challenging times.
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Lasers to trigger rains? UAE lab tests show it’s possible
In a groundbreaking move to enhance public health accessibility, the Burjeel Cancer Institute has launched a mobile mammography unit aimed at bringing breast cancer screening to underserved communities. This innovative initiative seeks to address the critical gap in early detection, particularly in remote and economically disadvantaged areas where access to healthcare facilities is limited. The mobile unit is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic technology and staffed by a team of experienced healthcare professionals, ensuring that high-quality screening services are available to all, regardless of location or socioeconomic status. The program also includes educational outreach to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and to encourage more women to undergo regular screenings. By taking the screening process directly to the people, the Burjeel Cancer Institute is making significant strides in the fight against breast cancer, potentially saving countless lives through timely intervention.
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2 nurses on first flight to UAE save passenger from cardiac arrest 35,000 ft in air
Two nurses from Kerala, Abhijith Jees and Ajeesh Nelson, embarked on their first international flight to the UAE on October 13, 2025, to begin their new careers with Response Plus Medical. Little did they know, their journey would turn into a life-saving mission before they even landed. During the flight, a 34-year-old passenger, Sameer (name changed), suffered a sudden cardiac arrest at 35,000 feet over the Arabian Sea. Abhijith, seated nearby, immediately noticed the distress and sprang into action, performing CPR in the narrow aisle. Ajeesh, seated a few rows away, joined him, and the two nurses worked seamlessly to revive the passenger. After two intense rounds of CPR, the man regained a faint pulse and began breathing again. Dr. Arif Abdul Khadir, another passenger, assisted in stabilizing the patient with IV fluids and monitoring his vitals for the remainder of the flight. Upon landing in Abu Dhabi, the passenger was transferred to airport medical teams and later reported to be in stable condition. The nurses, who had quietly continued to their new workplace without mentioning the incident, were later honored by Response Plus Medical for their professionalism and quick thinking. The passenger’s family expressed profound gratitude, stating that the nurses’ actions gave their loved one another chance at life. For Abhijith and Ajeesh, the experience reinforced their commitment to their profession and marked a memorable start to their new lives in the UAE.
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Royal Academy Ajman hosts breast cancer awareness campaign
In a vibrant display of unity and solidarity, the Royal Academy Ajman, under the auspices of North Point Education (NPE), hosted its 8th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Marathon at Safia Park, Ajman. The event, held in alignment with the UAE’s National Year of Community 2025, drew hundreds of participants from over 36 nationalities, creating a sea of pink that symbolized hope and resilience in the fight against breast cancer. The marathon was inaugurated by Ajman Traffic Department officials, First Assistant Rashid Adel Hammadi and Assistant Saeed Al Shamsi, alongside School Principal Dr. Prema Muralidhar, marking a moment of collaborative pride for the Royal Academy community. Saif Ahmed Mohammed Alabdouli, Licensing & Permits Executive at the Ajman Private Education Authority (APEA), attended as Chief Guest, emphasizing APEA’s commitment to fostering social awareness and community engagement among students. The Office of Special Education Affairs, Ajman, also supported the initiative, reinforcing the event’s mission to promote health awareness and early detection. The marathon kicked off with the release of pink balloons, symbolizing courage and unity, followed by inspiring speeches from students Huda Mohamed (Grade 12B) and Rosy (Grade 7B). A lively flash mob performance energized the crowd, while Dr. Muralidhar highlighted the academy’s dedication to nurturing empathy and social responsibility. The event concluded with the recognition of winners across various categories, celebrating not only athletic achievement but also the collective spirit of compassion and perseverance.
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Trump reveals he underwent MRI scan, says results were ‘perfect’
Former US President Donald Trump disclosed on Monday that he recently underwent an MRI scan, describing the results as ‘perfect.’ The 79-year-old Republican, who is the oldest person ever inaugurated as president, did not elaborate on the reasons for the medical screening, instead directing reporters to consult his physicians. This revelation follows an unexpected visit to Walter Reed Medical Center earlier in October, which had sparked widespread speculation about his health. Trump, who will turn 80 in June, has faced criticism for a perceived lack of transparency regarding his physical condition. During a conversation with reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump emphasized the positive outcome of the scan, stating, ‘I gave you the full results. We had an MRI, and the machine, you know, the whole thing, and it was perfect.’ MRI scans are commonly used to diagnose a variety of conditions, ranging from tumors and strokes to muscle tears and inflammation. The White House had not previously provided an explanation for the October 10 hospital visit, which was unusual given that presidents typically undergo only one comprehensive medical examination annually. Trump also addressed concerns about his health, asserting, ‘Nobody has ever given you reports like I gave you. And if I didn’t think it was going to be good, either, I would let you know negatively.’ His physician, Navy Captain Sean Barbabella, confirmed in a White House-released letter that Trump continues to exhibit ‘excellent overall health.’ The former president has been observed with bruising on his right hand during his second term, which the administration attributes to his use of aspirin as part of a cardiovascular health regimen. Additionally, Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency earlier this year, a common vein condition that can cause swelling and cramping but is treatable with medication or medical procedures.
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Dubai: Patient awarded Dh1 million after medical negligence left him disabled
In a landmark ruling, the Dubai Courts have upheld a Dh1 million compensation award to a patient left permanently disabled due to medical negligence during a joint replacement surgery. The case, which has drawn significant attention, highlights the severe consequences of medical malpractice and the judiciary’s commitment to protecting patient rights. The patient underwent surgery on December 20, 2021, but soon after experienced excruciating pain and mobility issues. Despite corrective surgeries, including treatments abroad in Italy, the patient lost approximately 80% of the leg’s function. The Supreme Committee for Medical Liability concluded that the attending physician’s care deviated grossly from recognized standards, leading to permanent disability. The patient initially sought Dh20 million in damages, but the court awarded Dh1 million, dismissing appeals from both the hospital and the physician. The court emphasized the hospital’s joint liability, citing its supervisory authority over the physician. This ruling reinforces the importance of accountability in medical practices and sets a precedent for future cases of medical negligence in Dubai.