2.4M
women diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide in 2024
WHO estimates about 2.4 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide in 2024.
Know your body. Get screened. Early detection helps.
Clear, verified information for the UAE: the signs to look for, who should be screened and when, and where to get checked.
2.4M
women diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide in 2024 (WHO)
Facts
694,000
deaths from breast cancer worldwide in 2024
WHO estimates about 694,000 deaths from breast cancer globally in 2024. WHO notes that deaths fall when breast cancer is found and treated early.
164 of 186
countries where breast cancer is the most common cancer in women (2024)
In 2024, breast cancer was the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in 164 of 186 countries, according to WHO.
39%
of new cancers in women in the UAE are breast cancer (2024 estimate)
GLOBOCAN 2024 (IARC/WHO) estimates 1,774 new breast cancer cases in the UAE in 2024, making it the most common cancer in women there (39.1% of cases in women) and the most common cancer overall (20.1%). These are model-based estimates.
>99%
5-year relative survival when found at a localised stage (US data, 2015–2021)
In the United States, the 5-year relative survival rate for localised breast cancer was above 99% for women diagnosed between 2015 and 2021, compared with 32% when it has spread to distant parts of the body. Figures vary between countries.
0.5–1%
of breast cancers occur in men
Breast cancer is rare in men, but it can happen. WHO states that 0.5–1% of breast cancers occur in men.
Signs
Many of these changes are not cancer, and breast pain on its own is not usually a sign of cancer. But any new or unusual change is worth getting checked by a doctor. Some people have no symptoms at all, which is why screening matters.
- A new lump, thickening or swelling in the breast or armpit
- A change in the size or shape of one or both breasts
- Dimpling or puckering of the skin, sometimes like an orange peel
- Redness, dryness, flaking or thickening of the skin of the breast or nipple
- A nipple that turns inward or changes in appearance, such as a new rash
- Nipple discharge that is not breast milk, which may contain blood
- Swelling of all or part of a breast, even if no lump can be felt
- Swollen lymph nodes under the arm or near the collarbone
Sources American Cancer Society(opens in a new tab)5 NHS (UK)(opens in a new tab)9 US CDC(opens in a new tab)12
Self-check
Knowing how your breasts normally look and feel is called breast awareness. There is no single correct method; these steps are a simple guide.
Step 1 of 5
Learn what is normal for you
Breasts change with the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, breastfeeding and after menopause. The goal is to know how yours usually look and feel, so you can notice anything new.
Step 2 of 5
Look in a mirror
Stand with your arms at your sides, then raise them. Look for changes in size, shape, skin texture, redness or swelling, and in the nipples.
Step 3 of 5
Feel each breast
Using the pads of your fingers, move in small circles with light and then firmer pressure. Cover the whole breast, up to the collarbone and into the armpit, without pressing hard enough to hurt.
Step 4 of 5
Check around the nipples
Look and feel around and over each nipple, and check for any fluid or skin change. Many people find lying down or showering makes this easier.
Step 5 of 5
Pick a regular time, and speak up
Many guides suggest checking about once a month, a few days after your period ends, or on a fixed date if you no longer have periods. If you notice a new change, see a doctor, as most changes are not cancer but only a doctor can tell.
Checking your own breasts does not replace screening mammograms or a clinical exam. The American Cancer Society says self-exams are not sufficient for screening.
Sources NHS (UK)(opens in a new tab)11 Breastcancer.org(opens in a new tab)16 Cancer Research UK(opens in a new tab)17 American Cancer Society(opens in a new tab)4 UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP)(opens in a new tab)18
Screening
UAE official guidance comes first. Across the UAE, women at average risk are advised to have a mammogram every two years from age 40. Your doctor may advise something different if your risk is higher.
| Who | What | Source |
|---|---|---|
| UAE guidance Women at average risk, aged 20 and over (UAE national guidance) | Breast awareness: know how your breasts normally look and feel and report any change to a healthcare provider straight away. | UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP)(opens in a new tab)18 |
| UAE guidance Women at average risk, aged 40–69 (UAE national guideline, MOHAP 2023) | A screening mammogram every two years. Women can refer themselves. | UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP)(opens in a new tab)18 |
| UAE guidance Dubai residents, aged 40 and over (Dubai Health Authority, 2024) | A mammogram every 2 years for women at average risk. | Dubai Health Authority (DHA)(opens in a new tab)21 |
| UAE guidance Abu Dhabi, aged 20–39 and 40 and over (Department of Health, 2025) | Ages 20–39: breast awareness and a clinical breast exam every three years. Age 40 and over: breast awareness, a consultation and a mammogram every two years. | Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH)(opens in a new tab)22 |
| UAE guidance Women at higher risk (for example a strong family history or a known inherited gene change) | Screening may start earlier and may include more frequent checks, and sometimes an MRI. In Abu Dhabi the standard lists a clinical exam every 6–12 months and yearly mammography. Ask your doctor for a personal plan. | Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH)(opens in a new tab)22 |
| For comparison: American Cancer Society (average risk) | Ages 40–44 may choose yearly mammograms; 45–54 yearly; 55 and over every two years or yearly. WHO notes mammography is usually used for women aged 50–69. UAE guidance above is the one to follow here. | American Cancer Society(opens in a new tab)4 |
Guidance differs slightly between emirates and between countries. Follow your doctor's advice for your own situation.
UAE
Where to start in the UAE. Programmes, dates and eligibility change, so confirm details with the organisation before you go.
Pink Caravan – Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP)
A mobile clinic licensed by the Ministry of Health and Prevention that offers mammograms to healthy women aged 40 and over with no symptoms. Pink Caravan has offered free screenings across the UAE since 2011; locations and dates change each campaign, so call to ask. Phone shown is the clinic appointment line.
Dubai Health Authority – periodic health screening guideline
DHA advises women aged 40 and over to have a mammogram every 2 years, earlier if there is a family history or a known inherited gene change. Ask a DHA-licensed clinic or your insurer how to book; cover depends on your insurance policy.
Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre – breast cancer screening (SEHA / PureHealth and other licensed providers)
Abu Dhabi guidance is a mammogram every 2 years from age 40. The page lists booking lines for licensed providers; the number shown is PureHealth (SEHA, SKMC, Al Dhafra hospitals).
80050Visit page(opens in a new tab)
Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC)(opens in a new tab)23
IFHAS comprehensive screening programme (Thiqa holders)
Thiqa cardholders aged 18 to 75 can use the comprehensive screening programme, which includes breast cancer screening. Confirm your eligibility with Daman. People without a Thiqa card can book through a family physician, GP or gynaecologist.
Visit page(opens in a new tab)
Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC)(opens in a new tab)24
Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) – Northern Emirates and national guideline
MOHAP's national guideline covers women aged 40–69 with a mammogram every two years, and women can refer themselves. In October 2023 MOHAP ran a campaign with Pink Caravan offering free mammograms to women aged 40 and over at set locations. That was a time-limited campaign, so check with MOHAP or your nearest health centre for current services.
Visit page(opens in a new tab)
UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP)(opens in a new tab)20
Confirm dates and eligibility before you go.
Myths
Antiperspirants and deodorants cause breast cancer.
The US National Cancer Institute states there is no scientific evidence linking these products to the development of breast cancer.
Only women with a family history get breast cancer.
Family history raises risk, but having a risk factor does not mean you will get the disease, and some women get breast cancer without any other risk factors. That is why regular screening matters for everyone.
Men cannot get breast cancer.
It is rare, but men can get breast cancer: WHO states that 0.5–1% of breast cancers occur in men. Men should also report a lump or other breast change to a doctor.
Every breast lump is cancer.
Most breast lumps are not cancer. Any new lump or change should still be checked by a healthcare professional, because only a doctor can tell.
If I feel fine and have no symptoms, I do not need screening.
Some people with breast cancer have no signs or symptoms at all, and early breast cancer often causes none. Screening mammograms are designed for women without symptoms; talk to a doctor about when to start.
If a mammogram needs a follow-up, it means I have cancer.
Most people who are called back for more imaging or tests are not found to have breast cancer.
Risk factors
Risk factors raise the chance of breast cancer but do not mean you will get it. Most women have some risk factors and most do not get breast cancer, and some women with no risk factors do. Some factors, like age, cannot be changed; others, like alcohol and physical activity, can.
- Being female (the strongest risk factor, per WHO)
- Older age: risk rises as women get older
- Family history of breast or ovarian cancer, including inherited changes in genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2
- Dense breast tissue, or certain non-cancerous breast conditions
- Hormone-related factors: periods starting early, menopause starting late, a first pregnancy after 30, not breastfeeding, and some hormone therapies
- Alcohol: higher intake is linked to higher risk
- Being physically inactive, or overweight after menopause
- Radiation therapy to the chest or breasts before age 30
Men can get breast cancer too, although it is rare (WHO: 0.5–1% of breast cancers). Men with a strong family history or inherited gene changes should talk to a doctor.
Sources World Health Organization(opens in a new tab)1 US CDC(opens in a new tab)13 NHS (UK)(opens in a new tab)10
Support
Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP)
A UAE charity under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi. It runs the Pink Caravan screening programme and supports patients and families.
Al Jalila Foundation – Majlis Al Amal
A drop-in centre in Dubai Healthcare City offering emotional support and a place to meet others affected by cancer. All services are free of charge. Contact: majlis.alamal@aljalilafoundation.ae
Brest Friends and Al Jalila Foundation
Brest Friends is a Dubai breast cancer support group founded by Dr Houriya Kazim. In 2015 it partnered with Al Jalila Foundation, with most funds raised going to patient financial aid. This page is a 2015 announcement; ask Al Jalila Foundation for current activities.
World Health Organization – Breast cancer
WHO's fact sheet on breast cancer: symptoms, risk factors, screening, treatment and global figures.
American Cancer Society – Breast cancer
Detailed patient information, in English, on diagnosis, treatment and support. Its helpline is for the United States, so no phone number is listed here.
Breastcancer.org
A non-profit patient-education site (English). This page explains how to get to know your breasts in five steps.
How to help
Get checked, and remind someone you care about
If you are 40 or over and due for a mammogram, book one. Then encourage a mother, sister, friend or colleague to do the same. FOCP's Pink October page has the contact details for Pink Caravan.
Donate to Friends of Cancer Patients
FOCP accepts donations, including for breast cancer patient support, through its official donation page.
Volunteer
FOCP accepts volunteer registrations through an online form. You will need to provide personal details and some identity documents.
Share verified information
Share this page with family and friends, and check any health claim against an official source before passing it on.
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Sources
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- World Health Organization: Global Breast Cancer Initiative, accessed 28 Oct 2026. www.who.int/initiatives/global-breast-cancer-initiative(opens in a new tab)
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