Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Understanding Breast Cancer – Early Detection is Key to Timely Intervention

October has been recognized as the Pink Month in a global effort to raise awareness about breast cancer. Pink Month is a month dedicated to educating people about breast cancer, including early detection, signs and symptoms of breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women in both the developed and less developed worlds, according to the World Health Organization. Breast cancer accounts for nearly 20% of all cancer cases in the UAE and is the second most significant cause of death among women after cardiovascular conditions. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let us increase our understanding of the disease and take a step to educate ourselves about breast cancer.

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The Power of Proactive Screening

Breast cancer is a highly treatable disease, especially when caught early. When detected in its localized stage, the 5-year survival rate is nearly 100%. Awareness month is dedicated to reminding every woman that early detection is your best defense.

The three pillars of breast health awareness are:

1. Breast Self-Awareness: While not a substitute for clinical exams, being familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel is crucial. Report any changes to your doctor right away.
2. Clinical Breast Exam: A physical examination by a healthcare professional, often performed during a routine check-up, to feel for any lumps or abnormalities.
3. Mammograms: This is the gold standard for breast cancer screening. A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of the breast that can detect changes years before they can be felt.

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Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines: What You Need to Know

Conflicting information can be confusing, but medical organizations around the world have established clear guidelines. For women in the UAE, these are the general recommendations:

• Starting at Age 40: If you are at an average risk, you should begin getting a mammogram every year from the age of 40.
• For Women at High Risk: If you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, your doctor may recommend starting mammograms earlier, often combined with an annual breast MRI.

At Fakeeh University Hospital, our specialists use advanced diagnostic tools to provide the most accurate screening available, including mammography (tomosynthesis). This technology takes multiple images from different angles, creating a clearer, more detailed picture that can detect even small abnormalities and reduce the chance of a false alarm or a call-back.

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Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Understanding your personal risk and being aware of potential symptoms empowers you to take action.

Symptoms to Watch For:

• A new lump or mass in the breast or armpit.
• A change in the size or shape of the breast.
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin.
• Nipple retraction (turning inward).
• Redness, scaling, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin.
• Nipple discharge other than breast milk.

Remember, having a symptom does not mean you have breast cancer, but it does mean you should see a doctor for a professional evaluation.

Risk factors for Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is caused by a mix of causes, according to studies. Being a woman and being older are two major variables that impact your risk. The majority of breast cancers can be seen in women over the age of 40.

Common Risk Factors:

• Age: The risk increases with age.
• Family History: A strong family history of breast cancer.
• Genetics: Having a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation.
• Dense Breasts: This can make it more difficult to see abnormalities on a mammogram.
• Lifestyle Factors: Being overweight, leading a sedentary lifestyle, and alcohol consumption can increase your risk.

Risk Factors that cannot be controlled

• Reproductive history
• Growing older
• Genetic mutations
• Family history of breast or ovarian cancer
• Previous treatment using radiation therapy
• Having dense breasts
• Personal background of breast cancer or some non-cancerous breast diseases

Risk Factors that you can control

• Being physically inactive
• After-menopausal obesity or overweight
• Using hormones
• Consuming alcoholic beverages

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Gaya Erdogru, a Turkish immigrant to Dubai, experienced healing, strength, and trust at Fakeeh University Hospital during her battle with stage two breast cancer.

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Fakeeh University Hospital: Your Partner in Breast Health

This October, make a pledge to prioritize your health. At Fakeeh University Hospital, we are dedicated to providing a seamless and supportive breast cancer awareness journey, from screening to diagnosis and beyond.

Our multidisciplinary team of experts, including our breast surgeon and our medical oncologists, works together to provide holistic care.

We offer:

• Specialized Breast Care: Access to a dedicated team of radiologists, pathologists, surgeons, and oncologists.
• Advanced Diagnostics: State-of-the-art 3D mammography and ultrasound to ensure precise and early detection.
• Comprehensive Screening Packages: To make breast health accessible, we offer a special Breast Cancer Screening Package that includes a consultation and mammogram for women over 40 for just AED 499.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let's turn awareness into action. Encourage your mother, sister, wife, and friends to get screened. A simple check-up can make all the difference.

Book your breast cancer screening at Fakeeh University Hospital today. Your health is your greatest wealth.

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Join the Pink Movement at FUH #SpreadingHopewithFUH