Cancer survivors get a treat

The Dubai Hospital yesterday feted 450 children who survived various cancers, and who a cancer doctor said are now fully cured and do not need any further treatment. Some of the children had received bone marrow transplant outside the country. "We followed up these cases for five to ten years and now they no longer need to visit us regularly for any further follow-ups," said Dr Abdul Rahman Al Jasmi, Head of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology at the Hospital. The oncologist said that since 1990 the hospital has diagnosed 750 cases of cancer and 40 per cent of these cases were leukaemia — cancer of the blood. He said 80 per cent of the leukaemia cases were cured. The doctor pointed out that the hospital receives more than 50 per cent of all cases of childhood cancer in the country. In a release from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Hussain Abdul Rahman, Medical Director of Dubai Hospital, was quoted as saying that it was a "tough battle" for the cancer survivors and their families. "The patients and their family members have shown resolve and strength to overcome this disease. In terms of the treatment provided, we ensure that we provide patients with high quality health care services as well as physiological and social support." The Hospital has provided all the cured patients with various forms of treatment including chemotherapy, surgical interventions and radiotherapy in association with other hospitals. "These patients are completely cured from the disease," the director said. Referral cases Doctor Al Jasmi said the hospital has been receiving referral cases from other Emirates and abroad. Most of these cases are specifically related to diagnosis of different types of cancer. George Morcos, general manager, Sanofi Gulf congratulated the cancer survivors. "We are building on a heritage of more than 50 years of experience helping patients and health care professionals in the field of cancer care. Sanofi's vision is to target cancer on all fronts," he added.