Abu Dhabi marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month with landmark screening initiative
The emirate's health authorities convened leading experts to discuss behavioural change and innovation in breast cancer prevention, building on exceptional progress in early detection uptake.
Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre has brought together distinguished specialists in public health, breast medicine and oncology to advance the fight against breast cancer through enhanced awareness and screening accessibility. The panel discussions, held as part of the “Check What Really Matters” campaign during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, addressed both the psychological barriers to early detection and the revolutionary innovations transforming patient care.
The figures underscore the campaign’s profound impact. Breast cancer screenings surged by 377.5 per cent in October 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, demonstrating the tangible effects of sustained public health messaging. Dr. Rashed Al Suwaidi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, emphasised the importance of translating awareness into lasting behavioural change. “Our priority is to build on that progress and make preventive screening a sustained part of how people look after their health,” he noted, highlighting the need to address the varied obstacles—whether psychological, practical or informational—that may deter women from seeking early detection.
Expert panellists addressed the multifaceted dimensions of screening behaviour. Dr. Mouza Al Ameri, Consultant Breast Surgeon at the University of the United Arab Emirates, stressed that courage and clear, accessible information serve as foundations for action, whilst Dr. Alaa Al Nuaimi, Consultant Psychiatrist at Sakina, underscored the critical role of psychological safety and community support in sustaining women’s engagement throughout their health journey.
The discussions also examined the emerging landscape of precision medicine. Advances in genomic profiling, imaging technology and molecular analysis are enabling clinicians to understand individual cancer risk with greater sophistication and tailor treatment plans accordingly. Dr. Dima Abdul Jabbar, Consultant Medical Oncologist at Burjeel Cancer Institute, explained how genetic and molecular profiling informs treatment decisions, whilst Dr. Manuelita Mazza, Chair of Breast Medical Oncology at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Fatima bint Mubarak Center, emphasised the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in delivering personalised care pathways.
Beyond the conference hall, the “Check What Really Matters” campaign has integrated breast cancer awareness into women’s everyday environments. Shopping mall activations, awareness messaging in retail fitting rooms, beauty salon partnerships and conversations at community coffee venues create multiple touchpoints for health information. Complementing these efforts, TrainYAS collaborations bring together wellness and awareness at community sports events. The initiative also offers complimentary mammogram screenings at designated locations throughout October, removing financial barriers to early detection.
Dr. Durra Al Balooshi, Advisor for the Community Health Sector at Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, highlighted the imperative to translate scientific progress into improved health outcomes, emphasising that innovation should strengthen prevention and early detection programmes and bolster public confidence in proactive health management.
Source: WAM