FREE genetic screening could be offered to relatives of women diagnosed with breast cancer within efforts to raise awareness and early detection as part of a parliamentary proposal.
According to 2020 figures by the International Agency for Research on Cancer Globocan – a subsidiary of the World Health Organisation – breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer on the island, accounting for 20.1 per cent of the total cases.
It accounts for 37.9pc of cancers among women in the country, followed by colorectal, ovary, corpus-uteri and lung.
“Presenting this proposal is in line with October as the breast cancer awareness month and it aims to preserve the health of citizens and residents in Bahrain,” said MP Dr Masooma Abdulraheem – who is spearheading the proposal.
“It also aims to promote early detection – especially since recovery rates are more than 95pc if the cancer is detected early.
“We need to shift from using ultra-sounds and mammograms to genetic screening of the approved 15 genes such as NGS, VUS, CNV, DEL/DEP, for inheriting this disease as a more accurate method of detection.
“The test being conducted aren’t as accurate as needed and genetic screening will reveal if a person has a genetic tendency for cancer even if signs aren’t detected through the ultrasound and mammogram.
“Raising awareness, collaborative efforts and regular medical examinations are critical to preserve public health as they lead to early detection which allows treatment.”
She urged the Health Ministry to step up awareness and follow-up campaigns in addition to workshops and training programmes within efforts to take proactive action.
She also added that gene screening will provide the earliest form of detection which then allows for early prevention and treatment.
“The aim of this proposal is for the Health Ministry to study the cases and carry out gene testing on the relatives of patients who have breast cancer,” added Dr Abdulraheem.
“It is critical that awareness efforts are stepped up and continued while ensuring routine testing and examination is carried out within efforts to protect public health and commence immediate treatment prior to the illness progressing to terminal stages.
“We are taking steps towards health insurance and we hope that these tests will be provided free of charge.
“These tests cost around BD100 so we will be sparing no efforts towards passing this proposal.”
The proposal was submitted to Parliament Speaker Fouzia Zainal for review and to be added to the Parliament schedule.
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