KUWAIT: On the occasion of Breast Cancer World Awareness Month, Arabiya Clinic organized and presented at the Kuwait Oil Tanker Company (KOTC) a series of awareness lectures for breast cancer in addition to some of the services and medical check-ups dealing with women's and men's health.
The meeting commenced with an awareness lecture from Dr Berchanti Bershad, a registered dentist with more than 12 years of experience in the treatment of teeth, gums and dental surgical implants. The audience were informed about the close association between breast cancer and dental health and the dangers of neglecting gum and teeth examinations. Studies of the most prestigious universities in the field of research indicate that 14 percent of people with gum problems may have cancer compared to people who have no dental problems. Regarding the link between dental diseases and cancer, the bacteria in the oral cavity which causes tooth pain and gum disorders transfers to other organs in the body through saliva and blood circulation. This affects some parts of the body, resulting in the occurrence of breast cancer.
This was followed with a lecture given by Dr Matthew, a general practitioner with long experience in the field of dental treatments and health in addition to the Hollywood Smile. His lecture, titled 'Smile Design,' discussed healthy lifestyle and exercise with attention to diet and oral health. He said that breast cancer does not mean the end of the road, and that many cases have been cured because of the lack of despair and the insistence on life. He informed of the importance of dental examination and treatment before starting chemotherapy courses. In the interest of public health, dental health is a way to a better life and an escape from diseases. Breast cancer does not only affect women, but also occurs in men. The cases of breast cancer in men constitute between 0.5 and 1.0 percent. Most diagnosed cases of breast cancer in men is in the advanced stages, mostly due to the lack of awareness of the possibility that men can develop breast cancer.
This was followed with a lecture by Dr Rasha Salah, a senior in oral and dental surgery. Her lecture drew the attention of the audience on the topic of 'protecting your children's teeth may save their lives.' This is important due to the stem cells existing in the bone marrow, which is largely stored in the first teeth of the children. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information in the United States, stem cells can be used to treat serious diseases such as cancer or diabetes which may later infect the child.
Finally, Dr Divya Viswanathan presented a lecture titled 'oral care for patients in need of chemotherapy, radiation therapy and bone marrow transplantation,' where oral and dental hygiene care is required during chemotherapy. She said that this treatment may cause infections and small wounds in the mouth that heal with difficulty. She added that in the event of feeling pain during dental care, you can use painkillers. It is also important during treatment to stay away from spicy or acidic foods, as well as stay away from smoking.
She ended that many people who are treated for cancer get a lot of problems in the mouth or teeth, which disappear after attention to oral health treatment, but in the case of neglecting oral health, mouth problems may develop for months or years. Dr Medhat Qadis Ibrahim, a doctor in internal medicine, surgery and intensive care, carried out free checkups and consultations. He discussed medicines and the importance of early screening for the detection of breast cancer and the importance of a blood test for the indication of tumors for the prevention of cancer.