Breast cancer screenings in Abu Dhabi increased by 377.5% in October 2025 compared with the same month a year earlier, coinciding with the previous edition of the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre’s (ADPHC) “Check What Really Matters” campaign.
The latest figures were highlighted as ADPHC brought together public health, breast health and oncology experts to discuss ways to sustain screening participation and improve breast cancer awareness during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Experts examine barriers to breast cancer screening
The panel discussion, titled “Breast Cancer: Behavioural Change and Innovation for Healthier Communities,” focused on the psychological and practical factors that can prevent women from undergoing screening.
Experts discussed how fear, misconceptions and accessibility challenges can delay preventive action and explored ways healthcare providers, workplaces and communities can make screening easier and more routine.
Dr Rashed Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADPHC, said the rise in screenings demonstrated how awareness campaigns could encourage women to take action.
He said the focus now was on sustaining the momentum beyond October and making preventive screening a regular part of women's healthcare.
Fear and anxiety can delay screening
HE Dr Mouza Al Ameri, Assistant Professor at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences at United Arab Emirates University and Consultant Breast Surgeon, said fear can make women delay screening.
She said initiatives such as “Check What Really Matters” can help communicate the importance of early detection and encourage women to treat screening as a routine health appointment.
Dr Alaa Al Nuaimi, Consultant Psychiatrist at Sakina, highlighted the importance of psychological safety and community support in helping women navigate screening and diagnosis.
She said awareness can provide information, while psychological support and human connection can help women take and sustain action.
The discussion also included the personal experience of a breast cancer patient, who shared how overcoming fear around screening and early detection helped her continue pursuing her life and ambitions.
Focus shifts to personalised breast cancer care
A second panel examined developments in breast cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment, with particular attention to personalised care.
Experts discussed the growing role of genetics, genomics and family history in assessing individual breast cancer risk and supporting more targeted approaches to screening and early detection.
The discussion also covered advances in imaging, diagnostic technologies, molecular profiling and targeted therapies.
Dr Durra Al Balooshi, Advisor at the Community Health Sector of ADPHC, said scientific advances should translate into improved health outcomes by strengthening prevention and early detection programmes.
Genomic testing supports treatment decisions
Dr Dima Abdul Jabbar, Consultant Medical Oncologist at Burjeel Cancer Institute, highlighted the potential role of genomic and molecular profiling in helping doctors make treatment decisions based on an individual patient's disease.
She said cancer treatment cannot be approached as a one-size-fits-all process and that genetics is one of several factors that need to be considered alongside clinical, lifestyle, social and population data.
Dr Manuelita Mazza, Chair of Breast Medical Oncology at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Fatima bint Mubarak Center, also stressed the importance of multidisciplinary care.
She said surgeons, pathologists, oncologists, genetic specialists and radiologists need to work together and consider factors such as tumour type, stage, pathology and genetic information when developing an appropriate treatment plan.
Free mammograms offered across Abu Dhabi
As part of this year's “Check What Really Matters” campaign, ADPHC is working with partners to bring breast health awareness closer to women in their everyday environments.
Free mammogram screenings are being offered at several locations throughout October.
Campaign activities are also being held at shopping malls, beauty salons, coffee destinations and community and sports events.
At malls, awareness messages are being displayed on mirrors in fitting rooms and restrooms, while beauty salons are being used to share educational material and breast health messages.
Selected coffee destinations will host awareness sessions where female doctors and specialists can discuss breast health and answer questions about early detection.
The campaign is also collaborating with TrainYAS on activities combining fitness, wellbeing, community engagement and breast cancer awareness.
Campaign aims to sustain screening momentum
ADPHC said the activities are intended to build on the increase in screening recorded last year by addressing barriers that can delay preventive care and expanding opportunities for women to access screening.
The initiative also aims to strengthen awareness of early detection and highlight developments that are making breast cancer risk assessment, diagnosis and treatment increasingly personalised.
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