Breast Cancer

Breast Structure and Function

Breast tissue is a complex network of lobules, lobes and ducts. Its main function is breastfeeding. The breast goes through many changes over a woman’s life due to hormonal changes, however, most of these changes are benign.

What is Breast Cancer?

A type of cancer begins in the breast, occurs as a result of abnormal cells that continuously grow out of control leading to form tumors in the breast.

There are different types of breast cancers, depending on which cells turned into tumor. Breast cancer can spread affecting other organs and areas in the body.

Breast Cancer Facts and Statistics

Globally 2022

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women globally, and the leading cause of cancer deaths among them.
In 2022, 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer, and 666,103 women died from the disease.
About 99% of breast cancers occurs in women, while only 0.5%-1% occurs in men
Every 15 seconds a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, and every 50 seconds a woman dies from the disease.

Abu Dhabi Emirate 2023

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed and prevalent cancer in Abu Dhabi and the fourth to cause cancer deaths in the Emirate.
Primarily affects women, accounting for 99% of female cases and only 1% of male cases.

Risk Factors of Breast Cancer

Aging
Personal or family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer
Inherited breast cancer genes BRCA1 OR BRCA2
Dense breast
Previous biopsy shows hyperplasia or carcinoma in situ
Never gave birth or having first child after age of 35 years
Not adopting breastfeeding
Current or recent use of combined estrogen and progesterone hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Long-term use of birth control pill
Unhealthy lifestyle: inactivity, smoking, alcohol consumption, overweight or obesity, unhealthy diet

Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Most people don’t experience any symptoms when the cancer is still at an early stage and usually appears when the disease is more advanced.

Symptoms Include:

A breast lump or thickening, often without pain.
Change in size, shape or appearance of the breast.
Dimpling, redness, pitting or other changes in the skin.
Change in nipple appearance or the skin surrounding the nipple (areola).
Abnormal or bloody fluid from the nipple.

ExternalSymptoms-En-Large

It’s important to seek medical care when abnormal changes or breast lumps are noticed, even if causes no pain.

Breast Cancer Prevention

Ways to reduce the risk

Breastfeeding.
Avoid hormones as much as possible.
Adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Regular screening.

Regular Screening & Early Detection of Breast Cancer

Through regular screening, breast cancer can be found at an early stage, increasing the chances of successful treatment and reducing mortality.

	Breast self-examination Self-examination to be performed regularly every month starting at age 20, on the sixth to tenth day after the start of the menstrual cycle.
	2. Clinical Breast Exam (CE): - Once every 3 years for women aged 20 yrs and above. - Annually for women aged 40 yrs and above.
	3. Mammography: Women aged 40 yrs and above should undertake. a screening mammogram once every 2 years.

Breast cancer screening services available through
(IFHAS) program to all Thiqa cardholders in the
Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

To download the Educational Materials:
Awareness Presentation – Arabic
Awareness Presentation - English