Abu Dhabi sees 377% surge in breast cancer screenings as fear and accessibility drive change

Abu Dhabi is witnessing a dramatic increase in breast cancer screenings, with a staggering 377.5% rise in October 2025 compared to the previous year. A campaign called "Check What Really Matters" has played a crucial role in driving this change by making screenings more accessible and convenient. The campaign offered free mammograms at mobile units and pop-up stations in locations where women already frequent, such as shopping malls, beauty salons, and sports events.

This strategy aimed to integrate screening opportunities directly into women's daily routines, eliminating the need for them to seek out care separately.

Durra Mohammed AlBlooshi, Advisor in the Community Health Sector at Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC), attributed the surge primarily to improved accessibility. The campaign's success has led to an 85% increase in early-stage breast cancer detections, with 95 to 98% five-year survival rates when caught at Stage 0 or Stage 1. Early detection also typically results in less invasive treatments and quicker recoveries.

The campaign's impact has extended beyond breast cancer, with cervical and colorectal cancer screenings also increasing. In response to the growing demand, Abu Dhabi has expanded its mobile mammography fleet to two units, planning to visit over 40 communities and workplaces in October. Advanced technologies like 3D mammography and AI-assisted software are now standard in healthcare providers, particularly beneficial for women with dense breast tissue.

Despite the positive strides, fear remains a significant barrier to screening. Many women avoid testing due to fear of negative results, prioritizing their children and families, or believing a check-up is unnecessary if they have no symptoms or family history. Misconceptions about mammograms, such as discomfort and high radiation levels, have been addressed through informal Q&A sessions with female specialists at various community venues.

AlBlooshi stressed that mammography detects around 85 to 90% of breast cancers and can identify minute changes two to three years before they become palpable. She emphasized that no test is foolproof and that follow-up procedures like ultrasounds or MRIs may be necessary if a mammogram is unclear. The campaign remains active during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.