The featured video highlights a consultation setting with Dr. Sadir Jumaa Alrawi, Consultant in General and Surgical Oncology and Head & Neck Surgery.
A cancer diagnosis can bring many questions, emotions, and challenges for patients and their families. During such times, access to expert medical care, advanced treatment options, and compassionate support becomes extremely important.
Digestive disorders can affect every aspect of daily life, from eating comfortably to maintaining overall health. While many gastrointestinal conditions can be managed with medication, some require advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment
by Dr. Sadir Al Rawi, Director of Surgical Oncology Services Colorectal cancer (CRC), also known as bowel cancer, is the development of cancer from the colon or rectum (parts of the large intestine). It is due to the abnormal growth of cells that have the ability to invade or spread to other parts of the body.]Signs and symptoms may include blood in the stool, a change in bowel movements, weight loss, and feeling tired all the time. Most colorectal cancers are due to old age and lifestyle factors with only a small number of cases due to underlying genetic disorders. Some risk factors include diet, obesity, smoking, and lack of physical activity. Dietary factors that increase the risk include red and processed meat as well as alcohol. Another risk factor is inflammatory bowel disease, which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Some of the inherited genetic disorders that can cause colorectal cancer include familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer; however, these represent less than 5% of cases. It typically starts as a benign tumor, often in the form of a polyp, which over time becomes cancerous. Bowel cancer may be diagnosed by obtaining a sample of the colon during a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. This is then followed by medical imaging to determine if the disease has spread. Screening is effective for preventing and decreasing deaths from colorectal cancer. Screening is recommended starting from the age of 50 to 75. During colonoscopy, small polyps may be removed if found. If a large polyp or tumor is found, a biopsy may be performed to check if it is cancerous. Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs decrease the risk. Their general use is not recommended for this purpose, however, due to side effects. Treatments used for colorectal cancer may include some combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and targeted therapy. Cancers that are confined within the wall of the colon may be curable with surgery while cancer that has spread widely are usually not curable, with management focusing on improving quality of life and symptoms. Five year survival rates in the United States are around 65%. This, however, depends on how advanced the cancer is, whether or not all the cancer can be removed with surgery, and the person’s overall health. Globally, colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer making up about 10% of all cases. In 2012, there were 1.4 million new cases and 694,000 deaths from the disease. It is more common in developed countries, where more than 65% of cases are found. It is less common in women than men.
Screening is looking for early cancer before a person has any symptoms. This can help findcancer at an early stage. When abnormal tissue or cancer is found early, it may be easier to treat.By the time symptoms appear, cancer may have begun to spread. “People aged 50 years to 74 years who had smoked at least 1 pack of cigarettes per dayfor 30 years or more. Heavy smokers who had quit smoking within the past 15 years arealso encouraged to seek counseling for screening” . Lung cancer screening with low dose CT scans is the only screening test shown to lower thechance of dying from lung cancer. Screening may be bigger if your lung cancer risk is higher.Current evidence does not support chest X-ray or sputum cytology for lung cancer screening.For perspective, the reduction in deaths from lung cancer with CT screening is larger than thereduction in deaths from the target cancers of other common screening tests, such asmammograms for breast cancer. If you choose to have CT screening, it is important to have it done at a medical center with specialexpertise in lung cancer screening and treatment. In Zahra Hospital We offer full counseling forpatients at risk of lung cancer via qualified and experienced team of Thoracic oncologist,surgeons, pulmonologists and radiologists. Health for living with Healthy LungsLungs keep us alive and well and for the most part, we don’t need to think about them. Here aresome ways to keep your lungs healthy. Don’t SmokeCigarette smoking is the major cause of lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Cigarette smoke can narrow the airpassages and make breathing more difficult. Over time cigarette smoke destroys lung tissue,and may trigger changes that grow into cancer. If you smoke, it’s never too late to benefit fromquitting. Avoid Exposure to Pollutants That Can Damage Your LungsSecondhand smoke, outdoor air pollution, chemicals in the home and workplace, and radon allcan cause or worsen lung disease. Make your home and car smoke free. Prevent InfectionWash your hands often with soap and water. Alcohol-based cleaners are a good substitute ifyou cannot wash. Avoids crowds during the cold and flu season.Get vaccinated every year against influenza. Talk to your healthcare provider to find out if thepneumonia vaccine is right for you.Regular check-ups help prevent diseases, even when you are feeling well. This is especiallytrue for lung disease, which sometimes goes undetected until it is serious. During a check-up,your healthcare provider will listen to your breathing and listen to your concerns. ExerciseAerobic exercise helps improve your lung capacity. Specific breathing exercises can also helpimprove your lung function. Exercise and breathing techniques are also great for improving yourmood and helping you relax.
What is known about the relationship between obesity and cancer?Obesity is associated with increased risks of the following cancer types, and possibly others aswell:EsophagusPancreasColon and rectumBreast (after menopause)Endometrium (lining of the uterus)KidneyThyroidGallbladderOne study, using NCI Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data, estimated thatin 2007 in the United States, about 34,000 new cases of cancer in men (4 percent) and 50,500in women (7 percent) were due to obesity. The percentage of cases attributed to obesity variedwidely for different cancer types but was as high as 40 percent for some cancers, particularlyendometrial cancer and esophageal adenocarcinoma.A projection of the future health and economic burden of obesity in 2030 estimated thatcontinuation of existing trends in obesity will lead to about 500,000 additional cases of cancer inthe United States by 2030. This analysis also found that if every adult reduced their BMI by 1percent, which would be equivalent to a weight loss of roughly 1 kg (or 2.2 lbs) for an adult ofaverage weight, this would prevent the increase in the number of cancer cases and actuallyresult in the avoidance of about 100,000 new cases of cancer.Several possible mechanisms have been suggested to explain the association of obesity withincreased risk of certain cancers:Fat tissue produces excess amounts of estrogen, high levels of which have been associatedwith the risk of breast, endometrial, and some other cancers.Obese people often have increased levels of insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) intheir blood (a condition known as hyperinsulinemia or insulin resistance), which may promotethe development of certain tumors.Fat cells produce hormones, called adipokines, that may stimulate or inhibit cell growth. Forexample, leptin, which is more abundant in obese people, seems to promote cell proliferation,whereas adiponectin, which is less abundant in obese people, may have antiproliferativeeffects.Other possible mechanisms include altered immune responses, effects on the nuclear factorkappa beta system, and oxidative stress.In Zahara hospital we are dedicated to our battle against cancer, patients who are overweightand interested in counseling for weight loss solutions can arrange an appointment in ourForegut & onco-bariatric clinic for risk assessment and counseling.
by Ali Aldameh, Consultant Thoracic Surgical Oncology For many people suffering from heartburn, watching what they eat, over-the-counter medications, and stress reduction can bring relief. But when symptoms don’t improve and start to interfere with sleep or daily life, it is time to get your doctor’s help. Your doctor will ask detailed questions about the nature and pattern of your pain. Is it worse after you eat a heavy meal or eat certain food, such as high-fat foods or dairy products? Does bending over to tie your shoelaces or lying down aggravate the symptoms? Does the pain seem linked to anxiety or stress? If your symptoms are typical for gastroesophageal reflux (GERD, or simply, reflux), the first step is usually to try a medication such as omeprazole (Prilosec) or lansoprazole (Prevacid). If symptoms improve, you can switch to a less powerful medication. That might be an H2-receptor antagonist (H2 blocker) such as cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), or famotidine (Pepcid), or an antacid like Tums. If, however, medication doesn’t seem to help, your doctor might suggest some tests to confirm reflux or rule out other possible causes for your symptoms. Be aware that reflux symptoms can be similar to heart attack symptoms. If what you feel is more like a constriction or pressure rather than burning, call your doctor. Even if you know you have reflux, always seek medical attention if you experience chest discomfort brought on by exercise. Pay attention to the severity and length of your chest pain. Severe, pressing, or squeezing discomfort, especially if it lasts a while, also warrants a call to your doctor.
What is HIPEC Treatment? HIPEC treatment, also known as Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy, is an advanced cancer treatment used for certain abdominal cancers. This specialized procedure combines surgery with heated chemotherapy to target cancer cells more effectively inside the abdominal cavity. During the procedure, cancerous tumors are surgically removed, and warm chemotherapy is circulated directly into the abdomen. The heated chemotherapy helps destroy remaining cancer cells while reducing damage to healthy tissues. HIPEC treatment has become an important option for patients with advanced or recurrent cancers. Advanced Chemotherapy for Various Types of Cancers HIPEC treatment is commonly used for patients suffering from cancers that spread within the abdominal area. It can provide improved treatment outcomes and better quality of life for selected patients. HIPEC may be recommended for: Unlike traditional chemotherapy, HIPEC delivers chemotherapy directly to the affected area, allowing higher concentrations of medication to reach cancer cells more effectively. Expertise from the USA to UAE and Iraq With years of experience in advanced surgical oncology and chemotherapy treatments, the doctor has expanded his cancer care journey from the United States to the UAE and now Iraq. This international experience has helped bring modern cancer treatment techniques and advanced HIPEC procedures to patients across the region. The goal is to provide world-class cancer treatment with compassionate care, advanced technology, and personalized treatment plans for every patient. By combining international medical expertise with patient-centered care, more patients now have access to specialized cancer treatments closer to home. Benefits of HIPEC Treatment HIPEC treatment offers several potential benefits for eligible cancer patients, including: Every patient’s condition is unique, and treatment plans are carefully designed after thorough medical evaluation. Comprehensive Cancer Care Support Cancer treatment requires more than medical procedures alone. Patients also need emotional support, guidance, and continuous follow-up care throughout their recovery journey. Advanced cancer centers in the UAE and Iraq continue to provide specialized oncology services, surgical expertise, and chemotherapy support for patients and families. At Cancer Care Specialties, patients receive expert consultation, advanced HIPEC treatment options, and comprehensive cancer care from experienced oncology specialists dedicated to improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
Patient testimonials reflect the trust, confidence, and satisfaction patients experience throughout their treatment journey. At Cancer Care Specialties, we are honored to receive positive feedback from patients who have undergone successful procedures and received compassionate medical care from our dedicated team. This heartfelt testimonial highlights the experience of a patient who underwent a total thyroidectomy in April 2026. The patient expressed gratitude toward Dr. Sadeer for their professionalism, expertise, and supportive care during the treatment process. Such feedback motivates our team to continue delivering high-quality healthcare with compassion and dedication. Thyroid surgery can often be an emotional and challenging experience for patients. From diagnosis to recovery, having the support of experienced surgeons and caring healthcare professionals can make a significant difference. At our center, we focus not only on successful surgical outcomes but also on ensuring that patients feel comfortable, informed, and supported at every stage of their treatment. Positive patient experiences often highlight: The trust shown by patients and their families inspires us to continue providing world-class cancer care and advanced thyroid treatment services in Dubai and across the UAE. Every successful recovery story reflects our commitment to excellence, safety, and compassionate healthcare. At Cancer Care Specialties, we believe that patient satisfaction is one of the strongest indicators of quality care. Reviews and testimonials help other patients feel confident while seeking medical treatment and encourage individuals to seek timely diagnosis and expert care for thyroid conditions and cancer-related concerns. We sincerely thank our patients for their kind words, trust, and support. Their experiences continue to inspire hope and strengthen our mission of delivering advanced, compassionate, and patient-focused healthcare every day.
A New Era of Specialized Cancer Care Cancer treatment has evolved significantly over the years, offering patients more advanced and targeted therapies for complex conditions. One of the most promising innovations in surgical oncology is Heated Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC), a specialized procedure used for patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis. Across the region, leading experts and multidisciplinary teams are working together to improve patient outcomes through advanced treatment approaches. At a leading Cancer care Hospital UAE, specialists are combining surgical expertise, modern technology, and personalized treatment plans to provide comprehensive cancer care. The collaboration between surgeons, anesthesiologists, oncology teams, and critical care professionals reflects the growing commitment to excellence in oncology across the Middle East. Understanding HIPEC Therapy HIPEC, also known as heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy, is an advanced treatment method used after cytoreductive surgery to target cancer cells within the abdominal cavity. During the procedure, heated chemotherapy is circulated directly inside the abdomen to destroy microscopic cancer cells that may remain after tumor removal. This innovative treatment offers several advantages: The growing availability of HIPEC therapy in the UAE reflects the region’s commitment to advanced oncology care and modern surgical techniques. The Importance of Multidisciplinary Cancer Care Successful cancer treatment depends on teamwork. Modern oncology focuses on a multidisciplinary tumor approach where experts from different specialties work together to create individualized treatment plans for each patient. At a trusted Cancer care Hospital UAE, multidisciplinary teams may include: Surgical Oncologists Experts performing complex cancer surgeries and HIPEC procedures. Medical Oncologists Specialists managing chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies. Anesthesia and Critical Care Teams Professionals ensuring patient safety during complex procedures. Radiologists and Pathologists Providing accurate diagnosis and treatment guidance. This collaborative approach improves precision, enhances recovery, and supports better long-term outcomes for cancer patients. Building Centers of Excellence in Oncology The UAE is rapidly becoming a regional hub for advanced cancer treatment. Hospitals and specialists are investing in innovative technologies, research-driven treatment methods, and highly trained oncology teams. Through advanced procedures like HIPEC therapy, leading institutions are helping establish recognized Cancer care specialties that meet international standards of oncology care. These centers focus not only on treatment but also on patient education, supportive care, and long-term follow-up. Patients now have access to: Cancer Care Specialties in the Middle East The rise of specialized oncology services demonstrates the growing importance of dedicated Cancer care specialties across the Middle East. With experienced medical teams and advanced therapeutic options, patients can receive world-class cancer treatment closer to home. The commitment to innovation, teamwork, and compassionate care is transforming oncology services throughout the UAE. As more hospitals adopt advanced procedures such as HIPEC, patients benefit from improved treatment opportunities and enhanced quality of care. Conclusion The future of cancer treatment lies in collaboration, innovation, and specialized expertise. Advanced therapies like HIPEC are changing the landscape of oncology and offering new hope to patients with complex cancers. Leading teams at every major Cancer care Hospital UAE continue to strengthen regional healthcare through advanced Cancer care specialties, multidisciplinary care, and patient-centered treatment approaches.
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