Join The Fight Against Breast Cancer: Free Screening Days Across Abu Dhabi This October

Breast cancer remains a prevalent health issue for women in the UAE, making early detection a critical factor in improving survival rates. The statistics are encouraging: over 80% of women diagnosed with breast cancer in Abu Dhabi in 2024 were detected at an early stage, and the survival rates soar above 90% when the cancer is caught early.

In Abu Dhabi, the initiative to combat breast cancer has taken a significant step forward with the launch of "Check What Really Matters," a campaign spearheaded by the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) and its network of partners.

ADPHC has partnered with entities across various sectors, including healthcare, sports, beauty, and retail, to increase the accessibility of screening services. Collaborations with healthcare networks, cancer societies, sports organisations, beauty brands, and leading national companies are underway to offer free screening days and mobile units across Abu Dhabi. This broad partnership approach aims to make screening more convenient and accessible to all women in the emirate.

For Thiqa card holders, breast cancer screenings can be directly booked through approved IFHAS providers via their official website. Meanwhile, other residents can avail of free screening services and activities throughout October at partner facilities across Abu Dhabi.

The campaign represents a comprehensive effort to ensure every woman knows when, where, and how to access vital screening services, highlighting the campaign's message that screening is quick, safe, and lifesaving.

This new effort aims to move beyond raising awareness to encouraging tangible actions towards screening and early detection. While knowledge about the importance of cancer screening is widespread among residents — with nearly 90% acknowledging its significance—the actual uptake of screening practices lags due to fears, uncertainties, and procrastination.

To ensure that women have the best chance at early detection, national screening guidelines recommend that women aged 40 and above undergo a mammogram every two years. For those between 20 to 39 years, a clinical breast examination every three years is advised, and women from 35 to 39 can also opt for a clinical risk assessment. These guidelines are designed to be evidence-based and timely, facilitating early detection and treatment.

Dr. Rashed Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADPHC, underscored the campaign's goal, stating, "We know that early detection dramatically improves outcomes, yet breast cancer continues to affect too many women. This campaign is part of our wider strategy to embed prevention into everyday life and make screening routine, accessible, and trusted."

This sentiment is echoed by Dr. Omniyat Al Hajeri, Executive Director, Community Health at ADPHC, who highlighted the campaign's foundation on evidence and its focus on addressing behavioral factors that delay diagnosis.

The "Check What Really Matters" campaign leverages relatable daily activities, such as checking phones, doors, and appearances, to remind women of the importance of prioritizing their health by undergoing regular screenings.

The campaign seeks to normalise and routinize breast cancer screening as part of a comprehensive strategy to prevent and detect breast cancer early. By doing so, it aims to bridge the gap between awareness and action, encouraging women to take proactive steps for their health.