WAM Abu Dhabi, 26 May 2012 (WAM): Aldar Properties and HealthPlus held an event at the World Trade Centre Central Market yesterday (25 May 2012) to raise awareness of the most common women's health issues in the UAE and the importance of prevention and early diagnosis.

The afternoon's activities included lectures by two of Abu Dhabi's leading consultants, Dr. Denise Howard who gave a talk titled: "Most Common Problems in Women's Health: Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment" and Dr. Nabil Abu Tartour who spoke about "Most Common Cancers in Women: Prevention, Early Diagnosis and Treatment." "We are happy to see so many women attending to empower themselves, and take a more active role in their health by learning about the most common health problems that may affect them over the course of their lives. We encounter many women who only see a physician for childbirth and never take advantage of the available preventative health services," said Dr. Denise Howard, Consultant Obstetrics and Gynecology, Urogynecology at HealthPlus.

"Many cancers, such as cervical cancer can be prevented, and others such as breast cancer, can be detected early and treated. Most health problems can also be prevented by living a healthy lifestyle, exercising regularly, having a healthy and nutritious diet and avoiding bad habits such as smoking," Dr. Howard added.

Dr. Nabil Abu Tartour, Consultant Obstetrics and Gynecology, Minimally Invasive Surgeries commented, "Speaking about the most common cancers in Women, world-wide statistics show that in 2007 the leading cause of death from cancer was Breast Cancer, followed by Cervical Cancer, Ovary Cancer, and Uterus Cancer. With early detection, we can reduce the prevalence of those cancers. It is worth mentioning that Cervical Cancer could be reduced to 0% with education, and with taking the recommended doses of the cervical cancer vaccines and with early detection especially that this type of cancer is not hereditable." "Recent advances, such as minimally invasive alternatives to conventional surgery and gynecology oncology and enhancements in the treatment of women problems, coupled with experienced clinicians who listen to their concerns and fears, should give trust and encouragement to women to look for an experienced gynecologist to look after her health on a regular basis. Regular check-ups are important for both women and men," Dr. Abu Tartour further added.

WAM/TF