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 structure Internal

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.
Pink Ribbon Large

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.

 Self breast examination

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. 

Clinical examination

2. Clinical Breast Exam (CE): 
- Once every 3 years for women aged 20 yrs and above. 
- Annually for women aged 40 yrs and above. 

Mammography

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.

 IFHAS program

 

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

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