For more than 20 years, the Bahrain Cancer Society has educated women in Bahrain about the importance of breast self-examination and the significance of early breast disease detection by mammogram.
In August 2005, the Bahrain Cancer Society, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and under the sponsorship of BATELCO, launched the NATIONAL CAMPAIGN FOR THE EARLY DETECTION OF BREAST DISEASE.
DETECTION
Mammogram is the best method to detect breast cancer at an early stage when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms. A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast. Having regular mammograms will give women greater comfort by detection early on – this could lower the risk of dying from breast cancer. Women aged 40 years or older should have a mammogram every two years.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a citizen or resident of the Kingdom of Bahrain
- Must be 40 years of age or older.
- Should not have had any breast surgery or treatment for breast cancer in the past
- Should not have had a mammogram within the previous 12 months
- Should not be pregnant
The Ministry of Health allocated 5 health centers to provide the most convenient coverage in different areas of the Kingdom. It also provided a weekly breast assessment clinic at the Salmaniya Medical Complex run by a team of specialized doctors to review reports and provide the appropriate management for the positive cases in due course. Mammograms Films are sent from all the centers to a centralized screening administration office at Dar Roufaidh. A specialized radiologist reads the films on a daily basis. Suspicious cases are referred to the breast assessment clinic at Salmaniya for additional imaging or procedure (Ultrasound, FNAC, Additional imaging, etc). Positive cases are referred to a team of surgeons for the appropriate management.
Screening is FREE OF CHARGE and is held 6 days a week at the following medical centers:
- Hamad Kanoo Medical Center (Issa Town)
- National Bank of Bahrain Medical Center (Aarad)
- Naim Medical Center (Manama)
- Al Aali Medical Center (Al Aali)
- Mohamad Jassim Kanoo Medical Center (Madinat Hamad)
All five centers are equipped with the latest Mammography machines and diagnostic equipment. These machines are tested and maintained on regular basis by highly trained engineers from the Ministry of Health. The mammogram is performed by a highly trained technician and requires only 15-20 minutes performing.
In order to assure that adequate and appropriate data are collected, a set of minimum data essentials were developed that must be collected. These include demographic, results of mammography examination and referral diagnostic evaluation, stage of cancer at the time of diagnosis and treatment information (if applicable).
Disclaimer
BahrainHealthMatters.com is for informative purposes only and not a substitute for professional in person expertise.
We advise that anyone having concerns about their health issues should consult their doctor asap.