Breast Cancer Screening and Early Detection in the UAE: What You Need to Know

Female Surgeon UAE
6 min readJan 2, 2023

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In summary, breast cancer is a serious illness that affects the cells of the breast. It can be treated with various methods, and prevention is key to avoiding it. If you have any concerns about breast cancer, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor.

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops in breast tissue. It can occur in men and women, but it is most common in women. Breast cancer happens when cells in the breast grow out of control and form a tumor. If the tumor is not treated, it can spread to other parts of the body.

There are different types of breast cancer, and treatment will depend on the type and stage of cancer. Treatment options for breast cancer include surgery, chemo, radiation, and hormone therapy.

To prevent breast cancer, get regular mammograms, practice self-exams, and make healthy lifestyle choices like exercising and eating well. If you notice any changes in your breast, such as a lump or discharge, it is wise to see a doctor right away. Early detection is the key to treating breast cancer.

Risk Factors for Breast Cancer

A breast cancer is a cancer that affects the tissue of the breast. It is critical to understand the risk factors for breast cancer so you can take steps to reduce your risk. The following are some risk factors for breast cancer:

  • Age: The risk of breast cancer increases with age.
  • Genetics: Having a family history of breast cancer or certain genetic mutations can increase your risk of breast cancer.
  • Hormones: Hormone replacement therapy or starting periods at a young age can increase the risk of breast cancer.
  • Lifestyle: Factors like drinking, not being active, and being overweight or obese can increase the risk of breast cancer.
  • Reproductive history: Having children later in life or not having children at all can increase the risk of breast cancer.

It is important to talk to your doctor about your risk factors for breast cancer and what steps you can take to reduce your risk. The key to successful treatment is early detection.

Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines in the UAE

Breast cancer is a serious and life-threatening condition. In order to increase the chances of a successful treatment, early detection is essential. Here are some breast cancer screening guidelines for women in the United Arab Emirates (UAE):

  1. Get a mammogram: Mammograms are X-ray exams that can detect breast cancer in its early stages. The UAE Ministry of Health recommends that women between the ages of 45 and 50 receive a mammogram every two years. Women over the age of 50 should get a mammogram every year.
  2. Know your risk factors: Some women have a higher risk of breast cancer due to age, family history, and lifestyle. If you’re at risk, talk to your doctor about starting breast cancer screening earlier.
  3. Pay attention to changes in your breasts: Notice any changes in your breasts? See a doctor ASAP, so you can catch any problems early. These changes can be a sign of breast cancer or other conditions that need to get a medical evaluation.
  4. Get a clinical breast exam: The UAE Ministry of Health advises women over 40 to get a clinical breast exam every three years, as well as mammograms. Clinical breast exams are physical examinations performed by healthcare professionals.
  5. Understand the limitations of screening: Screening for breast cancer is not perfect and may not detect all cases. But, it is still a valuable tool for early detection and improving survival rates. Even if you get regular mammograms and clinical breast exams, it’s helpful to be aware of any changes in your breasts. If you notice anything unusual, you should also consult a physician.

By following these guidelines, you can take steps to protect your health and increase your chances of early detection and successful treatment if breast cancer develops. Do not hesitate to speak to your doctor if you have questions about breast cancer screening in the UAE.

Early Detection of Breast Cancer

Early Detection of Breast Cancer: Tips and Strategies

  • Perform monthly self-exams: Check your breasts for any changes, such as lumps, swelling, or changes in shape or size.
  • Get regular mammograms: Women over the age of 50 should get a mammogram every year. Women at higher risk may need to start earlier and/or have more frequent mammograms.
  • Know your family history: If someone in your family has had breast cancer, you may be at higher risk for developing it too. Talk to your doctor about your risk and what screening tests are right for you.
  • Be aware of physical changes: Look for any changes in your breasts, such as swelling, redness, or changes in the skin.
  • Talk to your doctor: If you have any concerns about your breast health, don’t hesitate to speak to your doctor. They can recommend the most appropriate screening plan for you based on your age, risk factors, and medical history.

Early detection is the most reliable way to increase your chances of survival. If you notice any changes in your breasts, don’t wait — speak to your doctor right away.

Tips for Early Detection

Here are some tips for the early detection of breast cancer:

  • Perform regular self-exams: It’s helpful to be familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts so you can identify any changes. You can do a self-exam in the shower or while lying down, using a circular motion to feel for lumps or changes in texture.
  • Get mammograms: Mammograms are X-ray images of the breasts that can find changes that may be cancer. It’s suggested to have a mammogram every 1–2 years from age 50, or sooner if you have a family history of breast cancer.
  • Talk to your doctor about your risk: Your doctor will be able to help you understand your risk for breast cancer and recommend additional screenings and/or tests based on your specific situation…
  • Pay attention to changes in your breasts: Keep an eye out for changes in your breasts. Check for size, shape, or appearance differences. Look for changes in the skin, such as dimpling or redness.
  • Don’t delay seeking medical attention: If you notice any changes in your breasts or have any concerns, it’s wise to see a doctor as soon as possible. Early detection is key to getting effective treatment and improving your chances of survival.

Remember, early detection of breast cancer can improve treatment options and outcomes. Your health is a priority, so don’t hesitate to seek medical attention if you have any concerns.

Conclusion

Breast cancer screening is important to find the disease early. This helps people survive and lowers the impact of the illness on people and communities. Get screened and talk to your doctor about the best tests for you based on your age, family history, and other risk factors. If a diagnosis of breast cancer is made, various treatment options are available. These include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy. Choose the best option for you with the help of your doctor. . In the UAE, you can get screened for breast cancer through mammograms, breast ultrasounds, and breast MRIs. Talk to your doctor about the right screening tests for you based on factors like your age, family history, and other risks.

Remember, the earlier breast cancer early detected, the more likely it is to can treated. Don’t wait until you notice a lump or other symptoms — get screened and take control of your breast health. If you are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UAE, you have several treatment options to choose from. These include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy. Your physician can assist you in determining the most suitable course of action for your individual circumstances. These options can help to manage the disease.

Get informed and proactive about breast cancer screening to lower your risk of getting the disease. Besides, you can improve your chances of surviving it.

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Female Surgeon UAE

Dr. Humaa is one of the best surgeons in Dubai as a specialist general surgeon within the Surgical Oncology Services Department at the Al Zahra Cancer Center