Early Cancer Diagnosis Saves Lives

The campaign aims to educate and raise the community’s awareness on healthy living and early detection of cancer through periodic screenings, and also increase the uptake of preventive vaccines for cervical cancer.

Targeted primarily towards adolescent and young women as well as persons aged 40 years and above, the campaign disseminates key information and promotes behaviors that can help prevent cancer.

According to HAAD statistics, cancer is the third leading cause of death in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, accounting for an estimated 13% of annual mortality.

H.E. Prof. Dr. Maha Taysir Barakat, Director General of HAAD said: “Cancer is a global health challenge and results in often preventable complications and sufferings.”

HAAD statistics also revealed that 45% of deaths were amongst women, and 55% in men. The five top cancer causes of death for both genders are cancers of the breast (11.64% of all cancers), lung (11.16%), liver (10.69%), blood (10.21%) and colorectum (7.84%).

Dr. Jalaa Assad Taher, Manager of non-communicable Diseases at HAAD said: “Global statistics showed that around 30% of cancer deaths are a result of five leading behavioral and dietary risks, namely tobacco and alcohol use, a high body mass index, low fruit and vegetable intake, as well as the lack of physical activity .”

“Cancer deaths could be reduced by making healthy choices like stopping smoking, staying at a healthy weight, eating right, keeping active and getting the recommended screening tests. This year, we focus on promoting healthy living, , and undertaking cancer screening as a regular activity for men and women, and for cervical cancer encouraging preventive vaccines,” added Dr. Jalaa.

The campaign will run for six months from October 2014 to March 2015, coinciding with the global awareness months for each respective disease: October for breast cancer, November for lung cancer, January for cervical cancer and March for colorectal cancer.

For cancer screening appointments, and all campaign information visit www.haad.ae/simplycheck

About Health Authority – Abu Dhabi (HAAD):

The Health Authority – Abu Dhabi (HAAD) is the regulatory body of the Healthcare Sector at the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and ensures excellence in Healthcare for the community by monitoring the health status of the population. HAAD defines the strategy for the health system, monitors and analyses the health status of the population and performance of the system. In addition, HAAD shapes the regulatory framework for the health system, inspects against regulations, enforce standards, and encourages adoption of world – class best practices and performance targets by all healthcare service providers in the Emirate. HAAD also drives programs to increase awareness and adoption of healthy living standards among the residents of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in addition to regulating scope of services, premiums and reimbursement rates of the health system in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. For more information visit www.haad.ae

For media inquiries:

Mahra Al Hajeri, Media Officer, Health Authority - Abu Dhabi

Tel: +971 2 4193 295, email malhajeri@haad.ae