The Ultimate Guide to Beating Breast Cancer

Breast cancer affects women all over the world, including in Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is a type of cancer that starts in the breast tissue and can spread to other parts of the body if not treated early. Understanding the causes and treatment options is critical for women who may be at risk or diagnosed with the disease.

The different types and stages of breast cancer in Abu Dhabi and UAE. We will also explore the various risk factors, common symptoms, and possible treatments.

We hope that this information will help you better understand breast cancer and make informed decisions about your health.

What is Breast Cancer?

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Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the UAE, accounting for 36.7% of female cancers. Breast cancer incidence in the UAE is 28.6 per 100,000 and the age-standardized rate is 42.1 per 100,000.

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Breast cancer UAE is classified as invasive ductal carcinoma and aggressive lobular carcinoma. Invasive ductal carcinoma originates within the breast's milk ducts. Invasive lobular carcinoma starts in the lobules, which are the glands that make milk.

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Approximately 1 out of 8 women in the UAE will develop breast cancer during their lifetime. But men can also get breast cancer, although it is less common.

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Types of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer has different types, each with unique characteristics and treatment options. The most common types include:

• Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)

• Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC)

• Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC)

• Inflammatory breast cancer

• Metastatic breast cancer

DCIS is a non-invasive breast cancer type, meaning it has not spread beyond the milk ducts. IDC is the most widespread breast cancer type, making up about 80% of all cases. ILC is less common, accounting for 10-15% of cases. Inflammatory breast cancer represents a scarce and highly aggressive form of breast cancer. When this type of cancer spreads to other regions of the body, it is referred to as metastatic breast cancer.

Stages of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer stage refers to how advanced the cancer is and how far it has spread. The stages are identified using imaging tests and biopsies. The stages are:

• Stage 0 (DCIS)

• Stage I

• Stage II

• Stage III

• Stage IV (metastatic)

Stage 0 breast cancer is non-invasive, while stages I and II are considered early-stage breast cancer. Stage III breast cancer is considered advanced, while stage IV cancer has spread to other organs.

Detecting breast cancer early is crucial for effective treatment. Women should perform monthly breast self-exams and receive regular mammograms as recommended by their healthcare provider.

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Causes and Risk Factors of Breast Cancer

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Here are some examples of causes and risk factors:

Causes:

• Viruses, bacteria, or other germs

• Injuries

• Exposure to chemicals or toxins

• Allergies

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Some of the risk factors for breast cancer include:

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• Age

• Gender

• Race

• Family history

• Lifestyle choices (such as smoking, eating unhealthy foods, or not exercising)

• Environmental factors (such as pollution or radiation exposure)

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• Genetic mutations

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• Hormone therapy

It's critical to remember that not everyone with a risk factor will get sick. And just because someone gets sick doesn't mean they have any risk factors. But knowing the causes and risk factors for different illnesses can help us stay healthy by avoiding things that might make us ill.

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Here are some tips for staying healthy:

• Remember to regularly wash your hands with soap and water.

• Eat healthy foods and exercise regularly.

• Get enough sleep.

• See your doctor for regular checkups.

• By following these tips, you can reduce your risk of illness.

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Diagnosis of breast cancer

The diagnosis of breast cancer begins with a clinical breast exam (CBE) by a doctor or other healthcare professional. The CBE involves feeling the breasts for any lumps or other abnormalities. If the CBE finds something suspicious, the doctor may recommend further tests, such as:

• Mammogram: This is an x-ray of the breast. Mammograms can be used to look for early signs of breast cancer, such as tumors that cannot be felt.

• Ultrasound: This is a test that uses sound waves to create images of the breast. Ultrasound can be used to see if a lump is solid or fluid-filled.

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This is a test that uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the breast. MRI can be used to see if a lump is cancer or not.

• Fine-needle aspiration (FNA): This is a procedure in which a thin needle is inserted into the lump to remove a small amount of cells for testing.

• Core needle biopsy: This is a procedure in which a thicker needle is inserted into the lump to remove a larger piece of tissue for testing.

The results of these tests will help the doctor determine if you have breast cancer. If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, the doctor will need to determine the stage of the cancer.

Here are some additional tips for early detection of breast cancer:

• Do a monthly breast self-exam. This is a simple way to check for changes in your breasts.

• Have regular clinical breast exams. Your doctor or other healthcare professional can feel your breasts for any abnormalities.

• Get mammograms starting at age 45. Mammograms can help detect breast cancer in its early stages, when it is more likely to be cure.

If you find a lump or other abnormality in your breast, see your doctor right away. Early detection and treatment are the best ways to improve your chances of survival from breast cancer.

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Symptoms of breast cancer

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• A lump in the breast or armpit

• The breast can change size, shape, or appearance.

• Dimpling of the skin of the breast

• A nipple that turns inward or changes color

• A rash or redness on the skin of the breast

• A discharge from the nipple, especially if it is bloody

• Pain in the breast or armpit that does not go away

Some less common symptoms of breast cancer can include:

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• Swelling in the arm on the side of the affected breast

• Bone pain

• Weight loss

• Fatigue

• Shortness of breath

• Cough

Breast Cancer Treatment Options in Abu Dhabi

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• Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and kill cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells.

• Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells.

• Hormone therapy blocks the hormones that cancer cells need to grow.

• Targeted therapy blocks specific molecules that cancer cells need to grow.

• Immunotherapy helps the body's immune system fight cancer cells.

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Breast Cancer Awareness UAE: The Significance Behind It

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with 1 in 8 women being diagnosed in their lifetime. The average age of diagnosis is 10 years younger in the UAE than elsewhere in the world. This is due to several factors, including a higher prevalence of obesity, a younger population, and a higher rate of genetic mutations that contribute to breast cancer risk.

Breast cancer awareness campaigns in UAE are important for several reasons. 

• First, they help to raise awareness of the disease and its symptoms, so that women can get screened and diagnosed early. Early detection is essential for successful treatment, as it can lead to a cure in the vast majority of cases.

• Second, breast cancer awareness campaigns help to break down the stigma associated with the disease. In many cultures, breast cancer is still seen as a taboo topic, and women may be reluctant to talk about it or seek treatment. By raising awareness of the disease, these campaigns can help to reduce the stigma and encourage women to get the help they need.

• Third, breast cancer awareness campaigns raise funds for research and treatment. This is essential, as there is still much that we do not know about breast cancer, and there is a constant need for new and improved treatments.

There are several different breast cancer awareness campaigns in the UAE. One of the most well-known breast cancer awareness campaigns in UAE is #PINKtober, organized by the Al Jalila Foundation. This campaign runs every October, and it raises awareness of breast cancer through a variety of events and activities, such as fundraising walks, concerts, and educational workshops.

Another important breast cancer awareness campaign in the UAE is the Brest Friends support group. This group provides emotional and practical support to women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. The group meets regularly, and it offers a safe space for women to share their experiences and get the support they need.

Breast cancer awareness campaigns are an essential part of the fight against breast cancer in UAE. By raising awareness of the disease, breaking down the stigma, and raising funds for research and treatment, these campaigns are helping to save lives.

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Here are some ways to get involved in breast cancer awareness in the UAE:

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• Wear pink in October to show your support.

• Attend a breast cancer awareness event or fundraiser.

• Donate to a breast cancer research or treatment organization.

• Talk to your friends and family about breast cancer and the importance of early detection.

• Get screened for breast cancer yourself.

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Every little bit helps to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer. So please, get involved and help to raise awareness of this important disease.

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Conclusion

Breast cancer is a big problem that impacts lots of women worldwide. Understanding the causes and treatment options is key to preventing and treating the disease. Women should be proactive about their breast health, performing self-exams, getting regular mammograms, and reporting any changes to their healthcare provider. With early detection and effective treatment, breast cancer can be overcome.