Dubai, UAE – Medcare Hospitals & Medical Centres has announced the launch of the third edition of its annual breast cancer screening and awareness campaign this October. The month-long initiative, running from October 1 to 31, is spearheaded by Medcare Women & Children Hospital and extends across all Medcare hospitals and medical centers. This year, the group expects to screen over 700 women.
The campaign offers a special screening package that includes a consultation with a specialist and a choice between an ultrasound or mammogram. Medcare Women & Children Hospital, a predominantly women-led facility, is encouraging women, particularly mothers, to prioritize their health by availing the affordable screening services.
Dr. Ahmed Abdel Hameed, Internal Medicine Specialist and Medical Director of Medcare Women & Children Hospital and Medcare Medical Centers, expressed pride in launching the third edition of the campaign, following its success in previous years. “We are delighted to see women responding positively to our educational programs and taking ownership of their health. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in the UAE, but it’s also one of the most curable if detected and treated early,” Dr. Hameed emphasized.
Dr. Brian Mtemererwa, Consultant Endocrinologist and Medical Director at Medcare Royal Specialty Hospital, highlighted the importance of early detection in improving breast cancer survival rates. “Our goal is to eliminate the hesitation women may feel towards screening by offering accessible and affordable services provided by highly qualified gynecologists, surgeons, and breast health experts,” he added.
Last year’s campaign screened 504 women, 10% of whom were found to have suspicious abnormalities requiring further investigation. An additional 30% exhibited benign abnormalities, such as clustered calcifications and fibroadenomas, with follow-up consultations and biopsies recommended for appropriate cases.
Among the patients screened last year was Jessica Abou Jaoude, diagnosed with breast cancer at just 30, despite having no family history and living a healthy lifestyle. “Early detection saved my life,” she shared, now an advocate for breast cancer awareness, encouraging women of all ages to prioritize screenings.
To make screenings more accessible, Medcare is offering a discounted AED 350 screening package throughout October, which includes a mammogram or ultrasound and a consultation with a specialist. This initiative aims to remove financial barriers and ensure more women can access life-saving screenings.