SAUDI ARABIA

New counseling clinic at KAU to empower cancer patients

March 10, 2018

Layan Damanhouri



Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — Cancer poses a burden for patients who focus much on their treatment, leaving many doctors to disregard other concerns and needs such as its impact on fertility and childbearing ability.

"Chances of pregnancy and fertility are issues that are not discussed with the patient in more than 50 percent of cases in the Kingdom," says Professor Samia Al-Amoudi, who recently founded a counseling clinic of reproductive health rights for cancer patients at King Abdulaziz University.

The clinic is open to patients referred by doctors at King Abdulaziz University Hospital as well as other hospitals.

Under the supervision of oncology consultants, the clinic offers consultation on the impact of cancer therapies, such as chemotherapy, on fertility.

"Not all patients are aware of the impact of cancer on pregnancy and doctors need to discuss contraception methods," Al-Amoudi said.

Pregnancy and cancer creates a dilemma for the obstetrician, as there are mother health rights and fetal rights to be taken care of. This is why a team including the treating obstetrician, oncologist, neonatologist and the ethics committee is involved usually in the management of cases," said Professor Al-Amoudi.

The clinic also promotes health rights and educates patients about viable options of treatment and medical interventions, as not all of the practices worldwide are Shariah-compliant, she said elaborating further.

According to physicians, some couples are found to have violated Shariah jurisdiction, such as traveling to seek sperm donors, surrogate mothers, oocyte donors, and other practices, which are common in foreign countries but are forbidden in Islam.

In addition to counseling patients on fertility, the clinic aims to raise awareness among doctors and patients on the Shariah aspects of certain practices, making the clinic the first initiative of its kind in the Kingdom.


March 10, 2018
586 views
HIGHLIGHTS
SAUDI ARABIA
6 hours ago

Financial package worth SR312 million launched to support Saudi research laboratories

SAUDI ARABIA
7 hours ago

Renovation of 56 heritage buildings in Historic Jeddah completed  

SAUDI ARABIA
8 hours ago

Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan discuss climate action cooperation