‘I was afraid, but went for screening’

Knowing that breast cancer spares no one, I decided to go for a screening at one of the mobile clinics opened at the RAK Department of Economic Development as part of the Pink Caravan ride.

I should admit that I was afraid about the result, but it was an interesting experience because it is really better to know early than be sorry at a later incurable stage.

The procedure was easy, and there was a well-trained friendly team of nurses and specialists who welcomed me and other visitors with a smile from the very moment we entered the room for the screening.

I had to fill in a record sheet first and give some details about my age, height, weight, as well as my vitals, and if there was any positive cancer cases in the family.

There were also some questions about the health record, and if I have had any history with blood pressure, diabetes or other chronic diseases. Fortunately, I was suffering from none of these.

I was also asked if I was a smoker, do regular exercise or perform a breast self-examination on a monthly basis.

Having finished the registration, I was referred to Dr Samer Mohideen for examination. He was so informative and gave me all details and figures about this fatal disease which is a threat to men and women alike.

Later, he started examining me while I was simply sitting on a sofa. The doctor followed a four-step procedure and checked the entire chest area, mainly the left and right, up and down parts of both the right and left breasts while my hands were up at some time.

The result was thankfully ‘normal’ and no lumps or coarse skin was found. No change in both breasts’ size, shape or colour was reported as well. However, he advised me to do that self-examination on a regular basis and exercise more.