Primary physicians’ role in cancer detection stressed

Primary physicians’ role in cancer detection stressed Olivia Olarte-Ulherr / 25 June 2013 Primary care physicians (PCP) play an important role as the initial point of contact for patients in early detection of breast cancer. However, culture, busy clinic time, lack of resources and absence of standard referral process deter them from taking a pro-active role. PCPs identified these barriers to proper care during the third Global Breast Health Lecture Series hosted by Mafraq Hospital on Sunday. Dr Naha Dolle, primary care physician at Mafraq Hospital, said there is currently a shortcoming among primary physicians in suggesting mammogram or breast screening. “It’s not my specialty, I don’t have enough time (and) I will wait for the patient to ask,” were often the reasons cited by doctors, according to Dr Dolle. In addition, male physicians ‘feel unsure’ of how to propose screening or mammogram to female patients due to cultural sensitivity. According to Dr Farah Al Zaabi, family physician at the Zayed Military Hospital, patients also still ‘underestimate’ their role and would often prefer to travel abroad for ‘screening and further management.’ As PCP, she said their hours are often occupied with patients seeking immediate care leaving them no time to “make an appointment for women’s health.” Lack of resources or knowledge of whom to refer patients to for diagnosis also compounds the problem. And when they get diagnosed, “none of the patients come back to us and we don’t know what happened to them,” she pointed out. The speakers underscored the need to empower family physicians to contribute to the early detection of breast cancer and educate them on how to approach women in suggesting screening. Dr Denise Howard, gynaecologist at Al Noor Hospital, said that OB/GYN often serves as PCP and is crucial in breast cancer screening. “OB/GYN tends to be the person a woman goes to see when she has a problem related to breast cancer treatment,” she stated. However the challenge was where to refer patients for quality mammogram services. “It took me two years to find out about the national breast cancer screening, and that’s a shame,” she said, noting the importance of having a list of breast health services providers, including qualified breast surgeons and counsellors. Breast cancer is the leading cancer in the UAE, accounting for a quarter of all cancers. Reports confirm that it is the second killer of women, after cardiovascular diseases. “Most of the diagnosed breast cancer cases in Abu Dhabi are in late stages and this has a negative impact on morbidity and mortality. Without collaborative intervention, many women will continue to die from a disease, which all over the world is seeing increasingly high survival rates,” said Dr Rola Shaheen, organiser of the lecture series, acting chair of Radiology and chief of Women’s Imaging at Mafraq Hospital. olivia@khaleejtimes.com Taylor Scott International