Breast cancer awareness is not just about recognizing the disease. It is about knowing the facts, understanding your risk, recognizing changes, following appropriate screening, and making informed decisions about care.
Every October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month brings greater attention to breast health, early detection and the importance of timely medical care.
For women living in the United Arab Emirates, this conversation is particularly relevant.
According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Global Cancer Observatory, an estimated 1,774 new breast cancer cases were recorded among females in the UAE in 2024, representing 39.1% of all new cancer cases among females. Breast cancer was also the leading cancer by new cases when both sexes were considered, accounting for 20.1% of all new cancer cases in the UAE.
Globally, breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women. WHO estimates that approximately 2.4 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024, with around 694,000 deaths worldwide. WHO also emphasizes early detection, timely diagnosis and comprehensive management as key components of improving outcomes.
Yet, despite greater awareness, many myths continue to influence how people think about breast cancer.
Some myths create unnecessary fear.
Others create false reassurance.
And some can even cause people to delay appropriate medical evaluation.
So, let’s separate what is commonly believed from what the evidence tells us.
Why Breast Cancer Awareness Matters in the UAE
Breast cancer is not only a global health concern. It is also an important health issue in the UAE.
The latest IARC Global Cancer Observatory estimates place breast cancer as the leading cancer among females in the UAE by number of new cases, with 1,774 estimated cases in 2024.
This makes awareness more than a seasonal campaign.
It is an opportunity to encourage women to:
- Understand their individual risk
- Know the signs and symptoms that need attention
- Follow appropriate screening recommendations
- Seek medical advice when a concerning change appears
- Understand that a diagnosis does not look the same for every patient
- Consider supportive care as part of the broader cancer-care journey
The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) maintains a national guideline for breast cancer screening and diagnosis applicable to healthcare providers across the UAE. The guideline is designed around evidence-based screening, assessment, diagnosis and timely referral where appropriate.
Myth 1: “If Nobody in My Family Had Breast Cancer, I Don’t Need to Worry.”
Fact: Family history is important, but it is only one part of breast cancer risk.
Having a close relative with breast cancer can increase risk, and certain inherited genetic changes can significantly increase a person’s likelihood of developing the disease.
But it can also occur in women who have no known family history.
WHO reports that approximately 80% of breast cancers occur in women without specific risk factors other than sex and age. WHO also notes that the absence of a known family history does not necessarily mean that a woman is at low risk.
What this means:
Do not use the absence of family history as a reason to ignore breast health.
Understanding your personal risk is more useful than looking only at whether cancer has occurred in your family.
Myth 2: “Every Breast Lump Is Cancer.”
Fact: A breast lump does not automatically mean cancer.
Discovering a lump can understandably cause anxiety.
However, breast changes can have many causes, and not every lump is cancer.
At the same time, a new or unusual lump should not simply be ignored or diagnosed at home.
WHO and the National Cancer Institute both emphasize the importance of evaluating unusual breast changes rather than assuming what they mean.
The right approach is:
Don’t panic. Don’t self-diagnose. Get it evaluated.
A healthcare professional can determine whether additional examination or diagnostic testing is appropriate.
Myth 3: “Breast Cancer Always Causes a Noticeable Lump.”
Fact: A lump is not the only possible sign of breast cancer.
Breast cancer can present in different ways.
Possible changes can include:
- A new lump or thickening
- Change in breast size or shape
- Skin dimpling or puckering
- Changes in the nipple
- Nipple inversion
- Unusual nipple discharge
- Changes in the skin of the breast
- Swelling
- Changes around the underarm area
Some breast cancers may also have no noticeable symptoms, which is one reason screening and early detection strategies are important.
Remember:
No obvious lump does not automatically mean no problem.
Myth 4: “Breast Cancer Only Happens to Older Women.”
Fact: Age is an important risk factor, but breast cancer can occur at different ages.
Breast cancer becomes more common with increasing age, but younger women can also develop the disease.
This is one reason breast change should not automatically be dismissed because someone is considered “too young.”
At the same time, screening recommendations are not identical for every age group or risk category.
In the UAE, the national screening guideline defines the routine screening population as women aged 40–69 years who meet the relevant eligibility criteria.
For women with higher-than-average risk, screening may need to be individualized.
Myth 5: “If My Breast Doesn’t Hurt, It Can’t Be Cancer.”
Fact: Breast cancer may not cause pain.
Pain is not a reliable way to determine whether a breast change is cancerous.
Some people with breast cancer may have no pain, while many non-cancerous breast conditions can cause tenderness or discomfort.
WHO identifies changes such as a breast lump or thickening, changes in breast size or shape, skin changes and nipple abnormalities among possible signs.
The lesson:
Don’t wait for pain before taking a concerning breast change seriously.
Myth 6: “A Normal Mammogram Means I Can Ignore Any New Breast Change.”
Fact: Screening and symptom evaluation are different things.
A mammogram is an important screening tool, but a normal screening result does not mean every future breast change can be ignored.
If you develop a new or unusual change, discuss it with a healthcare professional even if your previous screening result was normal.
The UAE national guideline distinguishes screening from assessment and diagnosis, with appropriate referral and diagnostic evaluation when indicated.
Think of it this way:
Screening asks:
“Is there evidence of breast cancer in someone who does not have symptoms?”
Diagnostic evaluation asks:
“What is causing this particular breast change or abnormal finding?”
They are related—but they are not the same process.
Myth 7: “A Mammogram Is Only Needed When You Notice Something.”
Fact: Screening is intended to detect disease before obvious symptoms appear.
Screening and diagnostic testing serve different purposes.
The UAE’s national breast cancer guideline establishes a screening program for eligible women and sets clinical standards for breast cancer screening and diagnosis.
For women at average risk, the UAE national guideline identifies women aged 40–69 as the routine screening population.
If a woman has symptoms or an abnormal finding, the appropriate pathway may involve diagnostic evaluation rather than routine screening alone.
If you’re unsure which pathway applies to you:
Ask a qualified healthcare professional.
Myth 8: “The Same Screening Plan Is Suitable for Every Woman.”
Fact: Screening can depend on individual risk.
A woman with average risk may follow a different screening pathway from someone with a significant family history, an inherited genetic risk, previous chest radiation or other high-risk factors.
The UAE national guideline includes individualized approaches for women who are considered at increased or high risk. Depending on the risk profile, this may involve earlier or additional imaging and genetic counselling.
This is why it is important to discuss your personal and family medical history with your healthcare provider.
Myth 9: “Breast Cancer Is Always Inherited.”
Fact: Genetics can contribute to risk, but breast cancer is not always inherited.
Certain inherited genetic changes can significantly increase breast cancer risk.
However, many women who develop breast cancer do not have a known inherited genetic mutation.
WHO also notes that most breast cancers occur in women without a specific risk factor other than sex and age.
So genetic risk matters—but it is not the complete explanation for every breast cancer diagnosis.
Myth 10: “If I Live a Healthy Lifestyle, I Cannot Get Breast Cancer.”
Fact: Healthy habits can help reduce some risks, but they cannot guarantee prevention.
Some breast cancer risk factors can be modified.
WHO identifies factors including obesity, harmful alcohol use, physical inactivity and certain hormonal exposures among factors associated with breast cancer risk.
WHO’s Global Breast Cancer Initiative also emphasizes risk-reduction strategies such as preventing and managing obesity, limiting alcohol intake and encouraging healthy behaviors.
But healthy living should never be turned into blame.
A person can follow a healthy lifestyle and still develop breast cancer.
The goal is risk reduction—not a promise of zero risk.
Myth 11: “Breast Awareness Means Checking for a Lump Every Day.”
Fact: Breast awareness is about knowing what is normal for you and recognizing unusual changes.
Being familiar with your breasts can help you notice changes.
But constant checking or anxiety is not the goal.
The UAE national guideline encourages breast awareness and advises women to report concerning changes to their healthcare provider.
Look for changes that are new, unusual or persistent rather than becoming preoccupied with daily checking.
Myth 12: “Breast Cancer Only Affects Women.”
Fact: Men can develop breast cancer too.
Breast cancer predominantly affects women, but it can occur in men.
WHO estimates that approximately 0.5–1% of breast cancers occur in men.
A new lump or other unusual breast change in a man should also be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
What Breast Changes Should You Have Checked?
Not every breast change means cancer.
But a new or unusual change deserves appropriate medical attention.
Speak with a healthcare professional if you notice:
- A new lump in the breast
- A lump or swelling in the underarm
- Breast thickening
- A change in breast size or shape
- Skin dimpling or puckering
- Persistent skin changes
- Nipple inversion or other nipple changes
- Unusual nipple discharge
- Persistent swelling or redness
- Any breast change that feels significantly different from your normal
WHO recommends awareness of breast signs and symptoms and timely medical evaluation when abnormalities are found.
Most importantly:
A symptom is a reason to get checked—not a reason to assume the worst.
Breast Cancer Screening in the UAE: What Should Women Know?
This is one of the most important UAE-specific parts of this article.
The UAE National Guideline for Breast Cancer Screening & Diagnosis applies to healthcare providers across the UAE and establishes clinical standards for the national breast cancer screening program.
For women at average risk, the guideline identifies women aged 40–69 years as the eligible population for the national screening program.
The guideline also distinguishes between:
Screening
Screening is intended for eligible women without breast symptoms to identify possible cancer at an earlier stage.
Diagnostic Assessment
Diagnostic evaluation is used when there is a breast complaint, abnormal screening result or other finding requiring investigation.
Higher-Risk Screening
Women with increased or high-risk factors may require an individualized approach rather than the routine screening pathway.
Therefore, women should not assume that a single screening schedule applies to everyone.
Your age, risk factors, family history and medical history can all matter.
Why Early Detection Matters
One of the strongest messages from both UAE and international health authorities is the importance of AI in detecting breast cancer as early as possible.
WHO’s Global Breast Cancer Initiative is built around three major pillars:
- Health promotion and early detection
- Timely diagnosis
- Comprehensive breast cancer management
The objective is not simply to find cancer.
It is to help people move efficiently from:
Awareness → Detection → Diagnosis → Appropriate Treatment → Ongoing Care
WHO explains that early diagnosis means recognizing possible signs and symptoms, seeking medical advice, receiving timely evaluation and obtaining referral for appropriate treatment.
What Happens If a Screening Test Finds Something?
An abnormal screening result does not automatically mean cancer.
Depending on the finding, your healthcare team may recommend further assessment.
This can include additional imaging or tissue sampling when clinically appropriate.
The purpose of diagnostic evaluation is to determine what the abnormality represents.
An abnormal screening result is not the same as a cancer diagnosis.
This distinction is important because screening can understandably create anxiety.
The next step should be appropriate evaluation—not panic.
Breast Cancer Treatment Is Individualized
Breast cancer is not one single disease.
Treatment depends on factors such as:
- The type and subtype of breast cancer
- Stage of disease
- Whether lymph nodes are involved
- Biological characteristics of the tumor
- Overall health
- Previous treatment
- Other individual clinical factors
WHO notes that treatment can include combinations of surgery, radiation therapy and medicines such as hormonal therapy, chemotherapy or targeted biological therapies, depending on the individual cancer and how far it has spread.
This is why treatment decisions should be made by the patient’s qualified medical team.
What About Supportive Care During Breast Cancer?
Cancer care is not only about the disease.
Patients may also experience challenges involving:
- Fatigue
- Appetite changes
- Nutritional concerns
- Digestive discomfort
- Sleep
- Emotional stress
- General weakness
- Changes in daily activities
- Quality-of-life concerns
WHO’s current breast cancer guidance recognizes the importance of rehabilitation, supportive interventions and maintaining or restoring function and well-being as part of the broader continuum of care.
This creates an important distinction:
Cancer-directed treatment addresses the cancer.
Supportive care focuses on helping the person through the cancer-care journey.
These are not competing concepts.
They can be considered together as part of comprehensive care.
Where Can Herbal Supplement Fit Into Supportive Cancer Care?
Ayurveda can be considered as one component of a broader supportive-care approach for appropriate patients.
The purpose of Ayurvedic supportive care should not be to replace cancer-directed treatment.
Instead, it can be considered in the context of the patient’s overall well-being, lifestyle and supportive-care needs.
Depending on the individual situation, supportive discussions may include areas such as:
- Nutrition and dietary habits
- General well-being
- Lifestyle
- Digestive health
- Strength and daily functioning
- Emotional well-being
- Quality of life
However, people undergoing cancer treatment should not assume that every Ayurvedic medicine or herbal product is automatically suitable for them.
Some products may interact with medicines or may not be appropriate during particular treatments.
That is why professional coordination matters.
Before using an Ayurvedic medicine or supplement during breast cancer treatment, patients should discuss it with their treating healthcare professional and a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.
Tibbey Nabi: Body Revival Herbal Supplement as Part of a Supportive Cancer-Care Journey
At Tibbey Nabi, we believe that cancer care should consider the individual as a whole.
A cancer-care journey can involve much more than the disease itself. Patients may need attention to nutrition, daily well-being, lifestyle, emotional health and quality of life while continuing with the treatment recommended by their healthcare team.
This is where we see a meaningful place for Herbal Supplement For Cancer Supportive Care.
Tibbey Nabi’s approach is focused on bringing Herbal principles into the broader conversation around supportive cancer care—without asking patients to abandon their prescribed medical treatment.
Our philosophy is simple:
Support the patient. Respect the treatment plan. Encourage informed choices.
For people considering an herbal product during breast cancer treatment, the right approach is to discuss its use with the treating healthcare professional and a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.
This allows herbal supportive care to be considered in the context of:
- The patient’s diagnosis
- Current cancer treatment
- Other medicines
- Individual health conditions
- Nutritional needs
- Overall care plan
Ayurveda does not have to be presented as an alternative to necessary cancer treatment.
It can be approached as supportive care within a broader, coordinated cancer-care journey, when appropriate.
7 Practical Things to Remember This Breast Cancer Awareness Month
1. Know your normal
Be aware of how your breasts normally look and feel.
2. Don’t ignore unusual changes
A new lump, thickening, skin change or nipple change should be evaluated appropriately.
3. Don’t assume family history tells the whole story
Breast cancer can occur even without a known family history.
4. Understand UAE screening guidance
For women at average risk, the UAE national guideline includes women aged 40–69 in the routine screening population.
5. Know that screening and diagnosis are different
A screening test looks for possible disease; diagnostic evaluation investigates a symptom or abnormal result.
6. Don’t let myths influence treatment decisions
Breast cancer treatment should be guided by qualified healthcare professionals and the individual’s diagnosis.
7. Think about the whole person
Alongside cancer-directed treatment, appropriate supportive care can address aspects of well-being, functioning and quality of life.
Final Takeaway: Facts First, Support Throughout the Journey
Breast Cancer Awareness Month should be about more than a pink ribbon.
For women in the UAE, awareness means understanding that breast cancer is a significant health concern, knowing the warning signs, understanding screening recommendations and seeking timely medical evaluation when something changes.
The latest IARC data show why this conversation matters: breast cancer remains the leading cancer by new cases among women in the UAE.
But awareness should not create fear.
A breast lump does not automatically mean cancer.
No family history does not mean zero risk.
A lack of pain does not mean there is nothing to investigate.
And an abnormal screening result does not automatically mean a cancer diagnosis.
The better approach is awareness, appropriate screening, timely diagnosis, evidence-based treatment and comprehensive support.
WHO’s Global Breast Cancer Initiative emphasizes exactly this continuum—from early detection and timely diagnosis to comprehensive breast cancer management.
And within that broader journey, supportive care can also matter.
At Tibbey Nabi, we believe Herbal Supplement can be part of that supportive conversation.
Our approach is not about asking patients to choose between herbal and necessary medical treatment.
It is about exploring responsible herbal supplement for cancer supportive care alongside the patient’s ongoing cancer-care plan, where appropriate and under professional guidance.
For patients considering an herbal product, informed use matters.
Discuss it with your treating healthcare professional.
Discuss it with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.
Understand your current treatment and medicines.
And make decisions based on your individual needs—not on internet myths or unverified promises.
Because comprehensive cancer care is not only about treating the disease.
It is also about supporting the person throughout the journey.
Tibbey Nabi — Herbal Supportive Care Supplement for the Cancer Care Journey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Cancer in the UAE
What is the most common cancer among women in the UAE?
According to IARC’s Global Cancer Observatory estimates for 2024, breast cancer was the leading cancer by number of new cases among females in the UAE, with an estimated 1,774 new cases, representing 39.1% of new female cancer cases.
At what age is breast cancer screening recommended in the UAE?
The UAE National Guideline for Breast Cancer Screening & Diagnosis identifies women aged 40–69 years who meet the relevant eligibility criteria as the routine screening population.
How often should women in the UAE have a mammogram?
The UAE national guideline sets the screening frequency and clinical standards for the national program. For women in the routine average-risk screening population, the guideline uses mammography every two years. Individual recommendations may differ for women with increased or high risk.
Does having no family history mean I am not at risk?
No. Most women diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a known family history, and WHO notes that the absence of family history does not necessarily mean low risk.
Does every breast lump mean cancer?
No. A lump can have many causes and does not automatically mean cancer. However, a new or unusual lump should be appropriately evaluated.
Can breast cancer occur without a lump?
Yes. Breast cancer can present through other changes, and early disease may have no obvious symptoms.
Can men develop breast cancer?
Yes. Breast cancer can occur in men, although it is much less common. WHO estimates that approximately 0.5–1% of breast cancers occur in men.
Can lifestyle reduce breast cancer risk?
Some lifestyle factors are associated with risk reduction, including physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight and limiting alcohol consumption. However, no lifestyle approach can guarantee prevention.
Can Herbal Supplement be used during breast cancer treatment?
Herbal supportive care may be considered alongside cancer treatment in appropriate circumstances. However, patients should discuss any Ayurvedic/herbal preparation or supplement with their treating healthcare professional and a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner because suitability can depend on the individual’s treatment and other medicines.
Primary References
- World Health Organization (WHO) — Breast Cancer
WHO — Breast Cancer - World Health Organization (WHO) — Global Breast Cancer Initiative
WHO — Global Breast Cancer Initiative - WHO — Global Breast Cancer Initiative Implementation Framework
WHO — Global Breast Cancer Initiative Implementation Framework - International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Global Cancer Observatory — United Arab Emirates, GLOBOCAN 2022
IARC/WHO — UAE Cancer Statistics, GLOBOCAN 2022 - UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) — National Guideline for Breast Cancer Screening & Diagnosis
UAE MoHAP — National Guideline for Breast Cancer Screening & Diagnosis - UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention — Breast Cancer Awareness Month
UAE MoHAP — Breast Cancer Awareness Month
- MoHAP — National Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign / Early Detection
MoHAP — National Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign
Medical Disclaimer
This article is intended for general health education and breast cancer awareness purposes only. It does not diagnose, treat, cure or prevent breast cancer and should not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Breast cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment should be determined according to an individual’s age, risk factors, symptoms, medical history and clinical circumstances.
If you notice a new or unusual breast change, consult a qualified healthcare professional for appropriate evaluation.
If you are considering an Ayurvedic medicine, herbal preparation or supplement during cancer treatment, discuss its use with your treating healthcare professional and a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner. Do not stop, delay or modify prescribed cancer treatment without medical advice.