Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Genetics Testing Soon to Screen for Breast Cancer

Recent studies have been done in Dubai that say that genetic testing may soon be part of the UAE's nationa breast cancer screening program. The officials of the program are currently having some budgetary issues and the acceptance of the people is a bigger problem than expected.

“Genetic testing is already being done for other hereditary diseases such as
thalassemia and sickle cell anaemia,” said Dr Mona Al Sebelgy, Coordinator for
the National Breast Cancer Programme in Sharjah for Planning
and Evaluation.

Free testing will be done for those who have had breast cancer in their family's past. Although the the treatment methods, including mastectomy may make the woman think twice for opting for genetic testing. Through resources like equipped laboratories, there is a shortage of manpower. The government facilities are still conteplating the inclusion of the the national program, there are private fcilities offering it now.

These types of programs may really help save the lives of thousands of woman and children in the world. The early catch of these cancers may help make cures/antedotes for the unfortunate woman who realized that it was to late for them. Currently woman above 40 are being rectuited under the national program and offered free mamograms at all eight of the primary healthcare centers under the health ministry.

3 comments:

  1. If I had breast cancer i would want to try this out..

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  2. Lauren...I think the point here is using genetic screening to diagnose a risk of breast cancer. This sort of thing would be of no use to someone who already had breast cancer.

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  3. This is a great topic, Ashley. Interesting source, though. Here are a couple of improvements to consider: 1) you've linked to your source document, but haven't identified it in your post. It should be obvious to the reader where they should click if they want to see the source. 2) Make sure you use the "blockquote" feature to set your quote apart from the rest of your post. 3) Your link for "sickle cell anemia" takes you to a definition for thalassemia. 4) You have a few small spelling mistakes.

    A quick proof-read before posting would solve most of these issues. Otherwise, this is the kind of thing I'm looking for here. 21/25

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