Joyalukkas Think Pink Booklet

TAKE A PINK PLEDGE TO FIGHT BREAST CANCER Beware... Be aware BREAST CANCER AWARENESS PROGRAMME

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Dear Patrons, ‘Think Pink’ is our humble initiative to build awareness and awaken each one of you to join the fight against Breast Cancer. Proper care and knowledge can help in prevailing and over coming this dreaded disease.

I urge all of you to join us in this fight that pre-dominantly affects women, without whom, none of us would be here today.

I take the privilege and hope you do too.

Yours sincerely, Joy Alukkas Chairman & M.D. Joyalukkas Group BREAST CANCER AWARENESS PROGRAMME

Dear Patrons, A woman is a symbol of sacrifices, motherhood, courage, patience, giving, unconditional love and is the center of our universe.

We must ensure that we take all steps to safeguard and protect their health and well being.

‘Think Pink’ is our small contribution towards the well being of woman. ‘Think Pink’ is our fight against Breast Cancer, our fight to safeguard and protect their health.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, both in the developed and the developing world. Comprising 16% of all female cancers worldwide and is the leading cancer in the UAE, accounting for a quarter of all cancers.

Projected cases of breast cancer in the country, based on population growth and current incidence of the disease indicate that breast cancer is expected to increase to 600 cases by 2020 and 1,000 cases by 2030.

The incidence of breast cancer is increasing in the developing world due to increase in life expectancy, increased urbanization and due to insufficient awareness, cultural barriers and taboos, which come in the way of timely detection. Breast cancer mortality rates in the UAE are significantly higher than rates in the US and the UK.

Yours sincerely,

So we have adopted a comprehensive strategy which is working at all levels to improve community awareness for early detection of breast cancer and to provide our population with high quality healthcare services to fight against it.

John Paul Joy Alukkas Executive Director Joyalukkas Group

H.E. Engineer Essa Al Haj Al Maidoor Director-General Dubai Health Authority

I take the Pink Pledge; I take the pledge to join the fight against breast cancer.

BREAST CANCER. SOME FACTS THAT MAY AWAKEN YOU TO JOIN THE FIGHT. EVERY

1.7

MINUTES A WOMAN IS DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCER WORLDWIDE

THERE ARE ABOUT

2.6 MILLION FEMALE SURVIVORS OF BREAST CANCER IN THE WORLD

1 IN 8 WOMEN

WILL BE DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCER IN THEIR LIFETIME

25%

27% 98%

25% of women with breast cancer are less than 50 years old

70%

SURVIVAL RATE IN ADVANCED STAGE

SURVIVAL RATE IN EARLY DETECTION

ABOUT 2 TO 4 OF EVERY 1000 MAMMOGRAMS LEAD TO A DIAGNOSIS OF BREAST CANCER AGE OF BREAST CANCER PATIENTS

70% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no identifiable risk factor for the disease

4%

16%

37% 43%

BREAST-FEEDING FOR 1 YEAR OR MORE MAY HELP

20-39: 4% 40-59: 37% 60-79: 43% 80+ 16%

GENDER OF BREAST CANCER PATIENTS

PREVENT BREAST CANCER WOMEN CAN LOWER THE RISK OF BREAST CANCER

AVOID ALCOHOL

REGULAR EXERCISE

HEALTHY WEIGHT RANGE

MALE: 1% FEMALE: 99%

THINK PINK. JOYALUKKAS FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS. Breast Cancer is a growing concern amongst women. Because of its nature however, the subject is not one that we easily discuss. While the awareness is higher than ever, recent statistics show that in the UAE, 30% of women diagnosed with breast cancer are already in the third stage.

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS PROGRAMME

For this reason, we encourage you as a woman to ‘keep both eyes open for breast cancer’ and learn how to self examine. According to the Health Authority – Dubai, the women themselves find 80% of the cancerous lumps. After all, you know your body better than anyone else.

‘Think Pink’ is a Joyalukkas initiative to build awareness and convey as much as information as possible about breast cancer to all, because awareness and regular screening can help in a big way to fight breast cancer.

We request you to read the information in this booklet carefully and ensure you follow the recommended procedures and tips to help yourself and guide others in doing your best to fight against Breast Cancer.

Let’s Think Pink and do our bit to build awareness and fight Breast Cancer.

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BREAST CANCER. What are the symptoms?

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF BREAST CANCER A LUMP OR THICKENING IN THE BREAST OR UNDER THE ARMPIT A CHANGE IN THE POSITION OF THE NIPPLE CHANGES IN THE SHAPE OR SIZE OF THE BREAST OR NIPPLE

NIPPLE RASH PAIN IN ONE OF THE BREASTS OR ARMPIT PUCKERING OR DIMPLING OF THE BREAST SKIN PULLING IN OF THE NIPPLE

DISCHARGE OR BLEEDING FROM THE NIPPLE

REDNESS OF THE BREAST SKIN

Checking your breasts regularly can be crucial to early diagnosis; when the chances of successful treatment are greatest.

Stay breast aware and follow these five easy steps: 1. Know what is normal for you 2. Look and feel your breasts (upper chest and armpits too) 3. Know what changes to look for (see above) 4. Report any changes without delay to your GP 5. Make sure you attend breast screening if you’re 50 or over

IS BREAST CANCER THE MOST COMMON CAUSE OF DEATH FOR WOMEN? No. Although many women get breast cancer, it is not a common cause of death. Heart disease is the number one cause of death among women aged 40 and above, followed by stroke, lung cancer, and lung diseases. Breast cancer is the fifth leading cause of death.

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS PROGRAMME

What should I be looking for?

Everyone’s breasts are different; altering with age and at different times of the month. Lookout for changes that are unusual for you, such as: Breasts • Lumps or thickening of breast tissue

• Continuous pain • One breast becomes larger or lower • Puckering or dimpling of the skin Nipples • Becoming inverted (turned in), changing shape or position • Developing a rash, crusting or producing discharge Armpits • Swelling under the armpit or around the collarbone • Continuous pain Are all lumps cancerous?

No. They may be benign cysts or overgrowth of tissue.

But it is always important to report any changes to your GP.

H.E. Sheikha Lubna Al Qassimi

H.E. Ameera Binkaram;

“Breast Cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer in the UAE and most women with the disease learn about it in advanced stages, when the chances of being cured are much lower and treatment is much more invasive.

Cancer can be curable if there is early detection. We want women to think about self-examination in order to avoid the cancer to be life-threatning.

“Breast Cancer is a reality that none of us can afford to ignore, which is why it is imperative that every woman, and man, take every step possible to combat this disease. And the first and easily most vital of these steps is regular self-examination.

Minister of Development and International Cooperation, United Arab Emirates

My Whole hearted support goes to the ‘Think Pink’ initiative for raising awareness on Breast Cancer, let us beware and be aware.”

Chairperson of Sharjah Business Women Council, and President of the Board of Trustees and a founding member of the Friends of Cancer Patients charitable society (FOCP)

Breast Cancer affects every sector of our society and, if we want to truly bring an end to this disease, we must all, every stakeholder and concerned party, work together. It is therefore a true pleasure to give my wholehearted support to Joyalukkas & Zulekha Hospital for the vital work they are doing to raise awareness on breast cancer and wish them every success in their endeavours to come.”

Dr. Hanan Obaid

Head of Community Health Services Programs Section Primary Health Care Services Sector Dubai Health Authority

“The cornerstone of breast cancer control is early detection as it improves the outcome and survival rates. This is why DHA Authority’s policies to combat breast cancer are in line with those of the World Health Organization, in terms of strengthening Community-Based Programs that promote individual & community health and prevent diseases.

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS PROGRAMME

This augments the collaboration of the government health organizations, professional medical associations, and private medical sector working together to promote breast cancer awareness through supporting and active participation in the ‘Think Pink’ campaign during the month of October, 2013 to share information on the disease, and provide greater access to services.”

Dr. Sawsan Al Madhi

Secretary General for Friends of Cancer Patients charitable society (FoCP) and Head of the Pink Caravan's Medical and Awareness committee.

“If I had to encapsulate Pink Caravan’s message in a single word, that word would have to be ‘Hope’. For too long Breast Cancer has been seen as the end of the road - even women who recovered physically from the disease often saw themselves as no longer ‘whole’ and felt socially stigmatised.

Pink Caravan set out to change that perception - and today, after only 3 years we are proud of the success we have achieved.

Our message of awareness has spread across the country. It is immensely rewarding to see so many women, who might otherwise have given up hope of living full lives post breast cancer, take every opportunity that comes their way and make the best of life.”

Mrs. Jolly Joy Alukkas Director Joyalukkas group

Vidya Balan,

Bollywood Actress

“Breast Cancer is a source of concern today. However, frequent and proper checks can help you in fighting the dreaded disease. With Joyalukkas’ ‘Think Pink’, we hope to strongly highlight the issue and help empower women with the knowledge and tools to help fight this dreaded disease.

I have taken the Pink Pledge; I have taken the pledge to fight Breast Cancer.”

“Breast Cancer is a disease which can silently affect you with serious consequences. This great initiation

by Joyalukkas, ‘Think Pink’, will surely help women understand the consequences of breast cancer and help them take steps to prevent and fight this disease.

I have taken the Pink Pledge; I have taken the pledge to fight Breast Cancer.”

Dr. Zulekha Daud,

Managing Director, Zulekha Healthcare Group

Mrs. Zanubia Shams, CEO, Zulekha Healthcare Group

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS PROGRAMME

“It is less known that Breast Cancer rates are much higher in developed nations as compared to developing ones. Whether you are fighting Breast Cancer or not, you should be aware of the fact that everyone, male or female, can be influenced or affected by this disease. There are many things you can do both individually and together, both medically and non-medically.

However, Breast Cancer awareness, if done effectively can be useful to provide strength and inspiration for a Breast Cancer patient, so she can survive longer or overcome the disease.”

“The month of October is considered world-wide as the month of empowering women through building awareness about Breast Cancer. Any early preventive measure to deter Breast Cancer is the most vital step. In this regard, it’s heartening to notice that each year the initiatives towards Breast Cancer awareness are getting bigger and I am honored to be part of a powerful cause, such as the ‘Think Pink’ campaign. My love, strength and support will always be with those battling Breast Cancer.”

“Cancer may cause pain, it may shock you, it may even make you face your mortality, but it can never take your spirit away.”

- Dr. Pamela Munster, survivor and a pioneer in the field of Breast Cancer research

Dr. Pamela Munster

Professor, Department of Medicine (Hematology/Oncology), UCSF; Director, Early Phase Clinical Trials Unit and Leader, Developmental Therapeutics Program, UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, USA

No one is ever ready to have breast cancer, certainly not someone as busy as I am. I have been a breast cancer expert for many years. I have devoted my research to finding better treatment for breast cancer patients and I am utterly passionate about my work.

I am a daughter, a mother, a mentor and friend. I am a woman and love life. I have much to accomplish.

Cancer cannot take any of this away from me. Like everybody, I was shocked, I was vulnerable, I felt alone and then I learnt. I was not alone, there are many along my side for me, with me, with care, laughter, and friendship.

I carry a faulty gene that gives me a high risk of breast cancer and other cancers. So I am willing to take on the fight and be proactive. Every moment counts, I make it last, I cannot afford to waste precious time.

Breast cancer is common, it can

happen to anyone. It happened to me. It can happen to you. Breast cancer is treatable. Let’s find it early.

Detection of breast cancer has much improved, most cancers now can be found early. Those who will need surgery, will have many options with good cosmetic results. The treatments for breast cancer are very effective and tolerable. Every year now, there are many more survivors of breast cancer than victims of it.

Cancer may cause pain, it may shock you, it may even make you face your mortality, but it can never take your spirit away.

Lets join hands in conquering this cancer. Find it early, treat it and put it behind us.

Together we Rise above, Take charge, Think Pink.

SELF-EXAMINATION GUIDE

We have prepared this easy to understand guide to show you how easy it is to perform a self-examination at home.

In front of a mirror

Stand before a mirror and compare both breasts for differences in size, symmetry or the shape of the breast, changes in the skin such as swelling, redness or rash.

The nipples need to be observed as well to see if there is any discharge or inversion. You would need to perform this examination in front of a mirror in three positions as shown in the images below:

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS PROGRAMME

In the shower

Some women discover breast lumps easier when their skin is moist. In the shower, feel your left breast using your right hand then feel your right breast using your left hand.

Use a circular motion, as shown in the image, to be sure that you cover the whole breast.

Carefully observe any changes in your breasts and gently squeeze the nipple for any discharge.

Lying down

What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast. Doctors use a mammogram to look for early signs of breast cancer. Having regular mammograms can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer. If you are aged 50 to 74 years, be sure to have a screening mammogram every two years. If you are age 40–49 years, talk to your doctor about when and how often you should have a screening mammogram.

Why should I have a mammogram?

Regular mammograms are the best tests doctors have to find breast cancer early, sometimes up to three years before it can be felt. When their breast cancer is found early, many women go on to live long and healthy lives.

Where can I go to get screened?

Most likely, you can get screened for breast cancer at a clinic, hospital, or doctor's office. If you want to be screened for breast cancer, call your doctor's office. They can help you schedule an appointment. Most

health insurance companies pay for the cost of breast cancer screening tests.

How can I lower my risk of breast cancer?

• Control your weight and exercise.

• Know your family history of breast cancer. If you have a mother, sister, or daughter with breast cancer, ask your doctor what is your risk of getting breast cancer and how you can lower your risk.

• Find out the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy.

• Limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

Sources: www.breastcancer.org, www.aicr.org, www.health.com

Place a pillow under your right shoulder. Put your right hand under your head. Check the entire breast area using circular motions as shown in the image. Use light and firm pressures over each area of the breast. Repeat these steps on the left breast.

J OYA LUKK A S F OR B RE A ST C A N C E R AWA RE N E SS.

For internal circulation only

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS PROGRAMME

Initiative supported by

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