Every October, the world turns pink to honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a movement dedicated to spreading awareness, encouraging early detection, and supporting those affected by breast cancer. At Fakeeh Health, we proudly join this global initiative—known as Pinktober—to empower women with knowledge, promote regular screenings, and emphasize that early detection saves lives.
Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the breast begin to grow uncontrollably, forming a lump or mass. While it can affect both men and women, it is far more common among women. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide and remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women.
However, the good news is that early detection, timely diagnosis, and modern treatment options have significantly improved survival rates. With regular screenings and awareness, many lives can be saved.
The goal of Pinktober is not just to wear pink ribbons—it’s to educate, empower, and encourage action. Breast cancer awareness helps women recognize early warning signs, understand risk factors, and prioritize preventive healthcare.
At Fakeeh Health, our breast specialists emphasize three key pillars of awareness:
Education – Understanding symptoms, risks, and the importance of self-examination.
Early Detection – Regular mammograms and clinical screenings dramatically increase treatment success rates.
Empowerment – Supporting women emotionally and physically through their health journey.
By fostering awareness, Pinktober helps break the stigma and fear surrounding breast cancer and motivates more women to take proactive steps toward their well-being.
Early detection starts with awareness of your body. Consult a doctor if you notice:
A new lump or thickening in the breast or underarm
Changes in breast shape or size
Skin dimpling or redness
Inverted nipple or discharge
Persistent pain or swelling
These symptoms don’t always mean cancer—but getting checked promptly can make all the difference.
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While not all cases are preventable, you can lower your risk through simple lifestyle and health choices:
Maintain a healthy weight and balanced diet
Exercise regularly
Limit alcohol consumption and avoid smoking
Schedule regular mammograms (especially after age 40)
Perform monthly breast self-examinations
Discuss your family history with your doctor
At Fakeeh University Hospital, our Breast Surgery and Oncology teams provide comprehensive screening programs, advanced diagnostics, and personalized treatment plans to ensure that every patient receives the highest level of care.
Pinktober is also about community and compassion. Every survivor’s story is a reminder of strength, resilience, and hope. By participating in awareness events, supporting screening campaigns, or simply encouraging loved ones to get checked, you can make a meaningful difference.
At Fakeeh Health, we are dedicated to offering compassionate, patient-centered care through:
Breast cancer awareness campaigns
Free screening events
Educational workshops
Expert consultations and follow-ups
Together, we can inspire change and save lives—one screening at a time. While there has been widespread awareness on breast cancer over the past few years, there remain some facts that go unnoticed. Let’s look at the lesser-known details about breast cancer, in order to be better prepared to manage the condition and its symptoms.
Not just a lump, but breast pain is also one of the most common symptoms of breast cancer. Pain can be accompanied by:
It is a common belief that only women can develop breast cancer. However, men too can develop breast cancer. As per global statistics, 1 in every 833 men can develop breast cancer in his lifetime(as opposed to 1 in every 8 women being diagnosed).
Breast cancer can spread to the lymph nodes.It can cause swelling or a lump around the collarbone or under the arm before the original tumor in the breast is even big enough to be felt. Regular Screening will help your physician detect any swollen lymph nodes, even if they are not aching.
Chest radiation therapy prior to the age of30, or radiation exposure of any kind (whether at the workplace or unknowingly)can also cause breast cancer.
Breast cancer can affect people even if they have no risk factors or a family history of the disease.
Experts suggest that high-risk women getannual MRIs and mammograms starting at the age of 30. While low risk women can start screenings at the age of 40. Women with no apparent risk factors should have annual mammograms starting at age 45.
Mammograms can help find breast cancer in its early stages when it’s easier to treat. Decades of research show that early screening results in early diagnosis and better treatment results. This makes intensive treatment less likely and increases the likelihood of faster recovery.
Breast cancer comprises around a third of all female cancers and remains the number one cause of cancer-related mortality in the UAE. In the UAE population, the average age of breast cancer cases around 48 years. Almost 22% of the breast cancer cases are between the ages of30 and 40 years.
Physical examinations may not help diagnose breast cancer; however, they are an important part of your breast cancer screening regimen. Even if your mammogram is normal, if you feel a breast lump you should still let your doctor know. Not all breast cancers are seen on mammograms.
Don’t wait for symptoms—early detection is the key. Regular checkups can help detect breast cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage.
📍 Visit Fakeeh University Hospital or Fakeeh Medicentres across Dubai for your breast health screening today.
📞 Call +971 4 414 4444 | 🌐 Visit www.fakeeh.health
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