American Hospital Dubai-Nigeria Ltd
Cancer Treatment Service
Advanced Cancer Treatment and Care in Nigeria
In Nigeria, cancer is a significant health issue that is proving difficult to address, with increasing cases of poor treatment and substandard drugs.
The types of cancers that have been reported to be common include:
● Breast Cancer
● Prostate Cancer
These issues are what The American Hospital Dubai-Nigeria (AHD) is addressing. We provide advanced cancer treatment, which includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and more, utilizing cutting-edge technology and well-trained specialists.
Why Choose American Hospital Dubai Nigeria for Cancer Care?
The American Hospital Dubai-Nigeria is a top healthcare facility that provides worldclass cancer treatment services, the latest cancer treatment facilities, and evidencebased medical care. Thereby solving the problem of limited accessibility to treatment and maintenance for cancer patients in Nigeria.
Our cancer center is widely known and is also a regional leader in the field among our wide patient base.
At AHD, you receive personalized care, support, convenience, and treatment from practitioners trained to go through the motions with you.
Leading Oncology Specialists
Our cancer treatment is not limited to simple procedures but also includes intensive care from American Board-certified experts, supported by Western-trained nurses to address every situation.
State-of-the-Art Cancer Treatment Technology
Our round-about treatment is one where we adopt all the latest technology by keeping up with the trends of the world of cancer treatment-related research.
As of now, we have adopted treatments such as Surgical Oncology, Medical Oncology, Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy, Radiation Oncology, External Beam Radiation Therapy, Brachytherapy and Psychological Counselling.
Holistic and Compassionate Care Approach
One of our most reputable services is our commitment to leaving no stone unturned in uncovering the root cause of health issues.
We not only provide treatment but also involve individuals in their recovery by focusing on their lifestyle. Recognizing that individuals need comprehensive care, treatment, and management, we address the entirety of their problems.
This approach goes beyond the disease, helping patients make informed decisions throughout their journey with us. We prioritize the patient’s values, needs, communication style, and therapy requirements.
To achieve this, we employ professionals from various disciplines, including oncologists, nurses, social workers, nutritionists, and psychologists, to support patients through their treatment process. This holistic approach provides patients with caregiver support and integrative therapy sessions. After implementing this strategy, we have observed increased quality of life, improved coping mechanisms, higher patient satisfaction, and better adherence to treatment protocols.
For patients facing financial challenges in accessing adequate treatment, we offer support and survivorship programs.
Comprehensive Cancer Treatment Services
We provide all different kinds of advanced cancer treatments to our patients and here we list some of the treatments and care systems that we provide.
Diagnostic services
According to the Annals of Epidemiology, Volume 27, Issue 10, “Delayed presentation and diagnosis of breast cancer in African women: a systematic review”. They cited misdiagnosis as being one of the reasons many African women lost their lives to breast cancer if it had been properly diagnosed earlier.
So we pay close attention to all aspects of diagnosis so we can treat the patient for the right problems.
Our diagnostic procedures include:
Advanced Imaging
(CT, MRI, PET Scans)
We are fully equipped with CT Scan facilities (X-ray machines for scanning different angles of your organs), MRI for magnet and radio waves scan, and PET for scanning your bones.
These scans help us to detect cancer, and view clear images of tumours and how much it has spread. Also, we get a clear view of your soft tissues to help us build a personalized treatment schedule for each patient to follow.
Biopsy and
Histopathology
A biopsy and histopathology test shouldn’t be bypassed when diagnosing for cancer. These tests are used to determine the severity of the cancer tumour.
The patient’s cells and tissues in blood and urine are studied for abnormalities. This process helps the specialists make better treatment plans and prevent recurrence.
Genetic Testing and Counseling
Do you know why the doctor always asks you if a particular disease runs in the family? That is because when it comes to cancer, treatment for genetic cancers differs from that of non-genetic cancers.
Hence, we run genetic testing and special counselling so we can provide the correct treatment options and targeted therapy solutions.
Medical Oncology
Medical Oncology is a system for treating and managing cancer using several therapeutic methods which also help to reduce the spread of cancer cells.
After diagnosis, we develop treatment plans which include the following, depending on the severity and results of diagnoses.
Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy
With the use of quality drugs, we draft a plan for patients to use in reducing the spread of cancer. These drugs fight the cancer cells and slowly kill them off. The process is called Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy. These methods are mostly used to treat lung cancer.
Hormonal Therapy
There are certain hormones in the body which trigger the growth of cancerous cells and we use the hormonal therapy method to reduce the activeness of these hormones so the tumour can stop spreading. We use this to treat breast and prostate cancer.
Targeted Therapy
This is similar to the other therapies but just like the name insinuates, it is meant for specific molecules involved in the growth of cancer cells. Target therapies work to kill these deadly cells without affecting your normal cells. You can now see why we have our patients undergo diagnostics procedures such as genetic testing.
Radiation Oncology
With Radiation Oncology we use radiation to kill cancer cells and reduce the size of tumours. And we have advanced facilities for carrying out procedures while ensuring patients experience no side effects. At AHD we practice 2 types of Radiation Therapy, namely:
- External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)
- Brachytherapy
External Beam Radiation Therapy
This is when we use radiation to kill cancer cells from outside the body using our advanced radiation machine. Our specialists handle this process with utmost dedication, ensuring the patient safely goes through this process.
Brachytherapy
This is the process of using a radioactive machine to seep into the tumour or move around the tumour. It is the opposite of the EBRT. We mostly use this to treat prostate and breast cancer.
We have supportive care available throughout the entire process so patients do not encounter any form of difficulty. And as research keeps evolving to find the best method, we keep up to provide our patients with the best treatments.
Surgical Oncology
Minimally Invasive Cancer Surgery
With advanced technology, we aim to reduce post-operation pain which is why we adopted the minimally invasive technique. This method is the use of small incisions, cameras and robotic aids to treat cancer. After this procedure, patients have a high chance of being discharged faster with fewer complications but we still make sure to follow all due process. With this, we treat lung and colorectal cancer.
Breast and Thoracic Cancer Surgery
Patient Support and Survivorship Programs
AHD understands that one of the reasons many cancer patients have declined treatment is because of the cost of it and the fear of going through the treatment process. This has led to an increase in mortality rate, hence, we have rolled out the Patient Support and Survivorship Program so many people can have access to reliable treatments where they receive absolute physical and emotional support. This way, they can continue to lead their normal lives without fear of looming death and pain.
Palliative Care and Pain Management
Cancer is not just the development of lumps but a disease accompanied by indescribable pain which many people wish they could avoid. To help people better manage pain as we also diagnose and help them cope, we provide means of managing pain, nausea, fatigue and other symptoms that accompany any kind of cancer they are experiencing. We believe everyone deserves to live a life free of most of these symptoms which is why we are dedicated to providing a holistic and compassionate care approach. We provide our patients with all the necessary drugs and treatments needed to combat any symptoms they are experiencing and improve their quality of life.
Monitoring the effect of the drugs and evaluating how much they help patients cope is also something we pay attention to. Apart from drugs, we give access to physical therapy, relaxation practices, massage and cognitive behavioural therapy carried out by our expert resident psychologists.
Psychological Counseling
Most times, it’s difficult for people to come to terms with the fact that they have to deal with this kind of issue. It’s demoralizing to hear the Physician announce that one has been diagnosed with cancer and many patients approach most of the procedures with great fear.
Our psychologists are specially trained to assist our specialists in providing emotional support to the patients while helping them go through the motions. In this case, we don’t only provide support services to the patient but also to the family who have to come to terms with how fast things can change once a spouse, sibling, parent, child, cousin, uncle or friend is diagnosed with cancer.
They help the patients and loved ones deal with the stress and symptoms while helping them understand that they can still have a good life regardless of the diagnosis. The counselling team uses One-on-one counselling, group counselling, support groups and cognitive behavioural therapy to help all involved develop healthy coping strategies.
Nutritional and Lifestyle Support
Once a patient is diagnosed, the treatment plan developed includes not just the procedures they have to go through. We also consider the person’s lifestyle and ways to help them stay healthy. One way we achieve this is through their diet. We develop a meal and lifestyle plan that helps them stay healthy and happy. The lifestyle plans involve exercise and therapy. To help them have enough strength we incorporate certain percentages of food types based on what their diagnosis is. Another thing we watch out for is how to help them watch their weight to avoid being overfed or underfed.
Conditions We Treat
Breast Cancer
Using surgical oncology, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, hormonal therapy and immunotherapy we carry out breast cancer treatments depending on the treatment plan provided by the specialist in charge.
Lung Cancer
Treating varying degrees of lung cancer with our advanced technology and a combination of treatment options based on the recommendations in the patient’s treatment plan is something we excel at. Hence, you can visit us or speak to one of our available online specialists about your symptoms then book a date for your tests.
Colorectal Cancer
This condition is a combination of colon and rectal cancer. And according to the National Cancer Institute, it is highly treatable and we have achieved great success in treating this issue in the past. With a personalized treatment plan, expert recommendations and combined treatment and diagnosis processes, we treat colorectal cancer.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is common in men and it comes with symptoms like weak flow of urine, constant urination, blood in urine/semen, painful urination/ejaculation and pain in the back, hips and pelvis. This is a result of the growth of a tumour in the prostate which is in the male reproductive part and it can be treated with a combination of treatment services we provide at our institution.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cancer Treatment
Breast Cancer Symptoms
- Thick and weird lump in the breast or armpit
- Change in breast shape or size
- Redness of the breast
- Nipple discharge which is not breast milk
- Abnormal pain and breast tenderness
You can experience any of these symptoms without having breast cancer so it is paramount to consult a qualified specialist to be in the clear. Make it a habit to go for breast cancer screening even if you don’t see symptoms so you can easily nip any signs of it in the bud.
Lung Cancer Symptoms
The symptoms of lung cancer can be tricky and many people see it as just having a bad cough till it gets worse.
So, if you notice any of these symptoms, don’t rule them out as normal, go for a proper checkup.
- A cough keeps getting worse regardless of all the medications you take
- Chest pain accompanied by deep breathing or coughing
- Weight loss and low appetite
- Shortness of breath and wheezing
- Hoarse throat
- Recurrent pneumonia and bronchitis
- Neck and face swelling
Colorectal Cancer Symptoms
Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon and rectum and if you notice any symptoms you should see a medical professional immediately:
- Abnormal change in bowel habits
- Blood in stool
- Constant fatigue
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Abnormal narrow stool
- Still feeling full after visiting the toilet
- Bright red blood in the stool
- Dark or black stool because of blood
- Shortness of breath
- Abdominal pain
- Cramping
- Unusual weight loss
- Bloating
- Rectal bleeding
Prostate Cancer Symptoms
Most symptoms of prostate cancer seem normal but if you feel the symptoms are more unusual then you should make a visit to our centre for diagnosis as we have state-of-the-art facilities to help you niche down on whatever is wrong with you.
Locate us if you notice any of these symptoms:
- Frequent urination at night
- Difficulty urinating at night
- Weak urine flow
- Painful urination
- Blood in urine/semen
- Back or pelvis pain
- Bone pain
- Constant fatigue and unusual weight loss
- Inability to achieve erection
- Weakness in legs or feet
If you notice any of these symptoms contact us or one of our standby online specialists to book a date for your diagnosis.
At AHD, we are focused on treating:
● Breast cancer
● Lung cancer
● Colorectal cancer
● Prostate cancer
Preparation for cancer treatment comes in stages:
- The first stage includes awareness. We understand how difficult it is to accept
this new status of life and the many changes that will come with it. So for you to
be receptive to the treatments we will be recommending we advise that you
accept these changes and believe that you can still carry on with your activities
regardless. We have professionals who are readily available to provide support
for you at this stage. You are not alone. - Speak to your loved ones about your symptoms and the diagnosis that follows it.
Their support could go a long way in helping you through the entire process. - Learn more about your diagnosis. Ask your assigned specialists to explain more
about what you need to know and prepare for. Read up on the best lifestyle
hacks to help you through the period of your treatment. - Visit our centre for your diagnosis so the specialists can determine the severity of
the tumour, its position and the best treatment technique to use. - Prepare to work closely with specialists to be involved in your treatment process
and adhere to all the rules regarding diet, exercise, drugs and other things
included in your treatment plan.
