Breast cancer is a disease affecting one in eight women across their lifetime. Even though breast cancer is common, it has good survival rate, if caught early. Although the well known “celebrity cases” of breast cancer survivors tend to be younger, most women who develop breast cancer are over 50 years of age. While the UAE has no current national breast cancer screening program, breast screening is still available and advisable. Therefore, for the duration of the Breast Cancer Awareness Month of October, Snowdonia Medical Centre are offering free breast screenings for women of all ages.

Regardless of age, all women should be regularly examining their breasts once a month. To support women in taking early breast cancer detection measures and stay on top of their health, Women’s Health Dr. Aisha Bhaiyat has prepared the following tips:

1. Regardless of age, all women should be regularly examining their breasts once a month. If still menstruating, then immediately after a period is ideal, otherwise any time in the month. This allows each individual to get to know her own breast and recognise if there are any new lumps, or changes in the skin or nipple.
2. When examining your breasts, check all parts of your breast, armpits and up to your collarbone.
3. Look for changes in size, shape, lumps, skin texture or redness in the breast.
4. Check to see that the nipple hasn’t changed or developed discharge.
5. Check for any lumps in the armpit or collarbone. Is there pain in the breast or armpit? If so, it is very important to see a doctor. Breast screening would not be appropriate in these situations. Rather, a diagnosis would be needed.

Further Facts on Breast Cancer:

1. Women who have breast screening are more likely to have cancers diagnosed at an earlier stage, resulting in better survival rates.
2. For each 235 women screened, 1 death due to breast cancer is avoided and 6% of those screened are diagnosed with cancer which wouldn’t have otherwise been detected until later.
3. However, 1% of those screened will have had a slow growing cancer which would not have caused any harm, had they not been found. These women may undergo surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy unnecessarily.
4. Regular breast cancer screening will allow slow growing lesions to be recognised as not requiring any treatment, but only monitoring. Hence, regular screening reduces the changes of required treatment for a lesion when there is no need, as well as the associated anxiety.

There is no clear answer to how frequently breast cancer screening should occur, but every 2-3 years is sensible, with monthly self-examination in between. If your personal risk of breast cancer is higher, it is worth discussing with your doctor about starting screening at an earlier age and/or having screenings more frequently.

If you notice a lump, discharge or any skin or nipple change, please consult with a doctor urgently. Remember, although rare in men, they can also develop breast cancer. Not all breast changes are due to cancer, and most importantly, early diagnosis can save lives.

Snowdonia Medical Centre
Villa No.18, Al Wasl Road
Umm Suqueim 2, Dubai, U.A.E
Ph. +971 4338 3100