When detected at an early stage, over 85% of women will survive
Every 50 seconds, a woman dies of breast cancer worldwide
50% of women hesitate to undergo a mammogram screening
Only 10% of breast cancer cases have a family history of the disease
80% of breast masses are not cancerous
Advanced diagnostic technology at SSMC
3 steps to examine your breasts at home
Dos and don'ts before your mammogram
Move your 3 middle fingers around your entire breast and underarm area in a circular motion with light, medium and firm pressure. Check both breasts for any lumps, thickenings and hardened knots.
Place your hands on your hips and observe your breasts for alterations in breast shape, size, color, any dimpling, swelling, skin abnormalities or changes in nipple appearance.
Place a pillow under your left shoulder and your left arm behind your head. Apply varying pressure to your left breast and armpit using the three middle fingers of your right hand, feeling for any lumps or thickening. Switch sides and repeat.
Do inform
your physician of any past
screening or
treatments
Do eat
normally prior to your
appointment
Do wear
clothing that is
comfortable and easy to remove
Don't
apply
deodorant, powders, or lotion
on your
skin as they can interfere with the result of the scan
Don't wear
jewelry on the day of your
appointment
Don't
schedule your scan during or one
week before
your period; you may experience more pain and discomfort
Don't
forget
to inform your doctor or
x-ray
technologist if there is any possibility that you are pregnant
I experienced regular abscesses on my breast but did not screen regularly until October 2017, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, when I underwent a mammogram that showed a mass on my breast. I was referred to SSMC, who performed a biopsy and discovered that I had second-stage breast cancer. Gathering courage and strength, I underwent treatment, starting with chemotherapy, followed by surgery and lastly radiation therapy. I am now cancer free and undergo routine follow-up screenings. My journey was tough, but remaining positive and faithful is the key to survival.
I have a family history of breast cancer and was experiencing back and foot pain for a long time. An MRI revealed I had cancer in my spine and upon further investigation, I was diagnosed with stage-four breast cancer. Dr. Aisha convinced me to keep fighting and that there is always hope; I am so grateful to have her as a part of my journey. A message to all women: screen yearly to detect lumps at an early stage. The few hours spent at the hospital for the appointment and screening may save you from undergoing a tough journey. It will save your life.
I noticed some discharge from my breast and ignored it, not thinking it was breast cancer given that I am healthy, active and do not have a family history. However, a biopsy revealed that I had first-stage breast cancer and underwent breast removal surgery, coming to the UAE to continue my therapy. SSMC's multidisciplinary team decided on the best treatment plan for me, and I'm now cancer-free for a year after hormonal therapy. I was very happy with my experience at SSMC; the doctors, nurses and coordinators were very helpful. A message to all women: never ignore any symptom or abnormality you feel on your breast and never live in denial that you cannot develop breast cancer.
Given that I do not have a family history, I never thought I would get breast cancer. However, after discovering a lump on my right breast, I underwent screening and was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, and received surgery under the guidance of Dr. Salem. Having undergone chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation, I am now cancer-free. A message to all women: educate yourself and focus on your health and not only your career. Find the time and take care of yourself. Never give up and always have hope that you will fight it. I have been through a very tough journey, yet I kept going to work and encouraging positive thoughts. Cancer is not the end of the world and does not mean you will die. When there is a will, there is a way.
We invite you to join us on this inspiring journey toward early detection, awareness and support. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against breast cancer.
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More than 85% of women survive breast cancer when it is detected at an early and more treatable stage through regular screenings.
50% of women in the UAE are hesitant to undergo a mammogram, citing discomfort, fear, no family history and a lack of symptoms being the main reasons. Remember that annual screening only takes 30 minutes and prevents a lifetime of fighting.
80% of breast masses are not cancerous and can be the result of hormonal changes, infections, cysts or fat deposits. Screening is the only way to determine the difference.
Worldwide, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every 15 seconds, and one woman dies from it every 50 seconds.
Only 10% of breast cancer cases are linked to family history, which means screening is important even if your family doesn’t have the disease.
A number of other factors can also lead to breast cancer, such as:
Being 40 years old and above. 
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Obesity and lack of regular exercise.
Getting your first period before the age of 12.
Starting menopause after the age of 55.
Not breastfeeding.
