On the occasion of the Global Breast Cancer Awareness Month and in collaboration with Danat Al Emarat Hospital for Women and Children, Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi has organised a breast cancer awareness workshop to highlight the different aspects of the disease and promote healthy lifestyles.

The university’s academic and administrative employees participated in the event, which was held at the university’s campus on Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi, along with students and parents. Specialised physicians in the field of women’s health and nutrition from Danat Al Emarat Hospital presented the workshop and participants were provided with basic health screenings including Body Mass Index, blood sugar levels and blood pressure.

The workshop is part of the university’s commitment to support the local community and women in particular, especially when it comes to shedding light on important health issues. It also aimed to increase awareness about the risk of breast cancer, early detection, symptoms and treatments, as well as the importance of early screenings.

Vino Nallaya, CEO of Danat Al Emarat Hospital for Women and Children, said, "The earlier we educate young women, the healthier the communities become. In line with that, we truly value our partnership with Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and the efforts set towards educating their students and staff on health-related topics. The earlier a tumor is detected and treated, the better the outcomes. International studies confirm that early diagnosis of breast cancer lead to higher survival rates of above 90 percent, whereas the survival rates of late diagnosis stages 2 and 3 ranged between 60 percent and 70 percent."

She added, "Through such collaborative events, and as part of our commitment to a healthier society, we aim to improve women’s overall health and keep the community informed, encouraged and empowered to take action in adapting a healthy lifestyle from childhood and detect diseases in early stages. Thus, the hospital’s Women Diagnostics and Breast Imaging Centre initiates many educational activities in the community throughout the year and doubles the efforts during the month of October."

Dr. Nicolas Denour, Head of Radiology and Breast Imaging at Danat Al Emarat, said, "Our teams collaborate with many organisations, universities and stakeholders in Abu Dhabi on educational activities. We also aim to educate young women such as students from Paris- Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, especially women who have a family history of breast cancer. It is worth mentioning that the hospital is also accredited by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi as a centre for breast cancer screening."

Dr. Fatima Al Shamsi, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administrative Affairs at Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, said, "Hosting the awareness workshop on the breast cancer disease reflects our commitment to support our students on different levels. This event is an opportunity for all participants, students, teachers and employees to learn more about the causes and risks of this disease, as well as the different healthy routines they can adopt to improve their lifestyle."

Dr. Al Shamsi added, "Being an Emirati university and part of the local community, we are happy to partner with Danat Al Emarat Hospital for Women and Children for the second consecutive year and play an active role in spreading healthy habits to all members of the community. Hence, we remain committed to embracing our students and providing them with all the needed tools and knowledge for a healthy and promising future."