Every October the pink ribbon goes up for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Behind it is a simple, well-evidenced idea: breast cancer found early, before it can be felt, is far more treatable than breast cancer found late.
This article sets out the numbers — worldwide and in the UAE — what they mean for you, and when to book a screening.
Breast cancer by the numbers
Breast cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in most of the world. The World Health Organization reports that in 2024 an estimated 2.4 million women were diagnosed and 694,000 died of it, and that it was the most common cancer in women in 164 of 186 countries.
On average, 1 in 20 women worldwide will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, according to a 2025 analysis by the International Agency for Research on Cancer — and if current rates continue, cases are projected to rise to 3.2 million a year by 2050.
| Figure | What it shows |
|---|---|
| 2.4 million | Women diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide in 2024 (WHO) |
| 694,000 | Deaths from breast cancer worldwide in 2024 (WHO) |
| 164 of 186 | Countries where it was the most common cancer in women in 2024 (WHO) |
| 1 in 20 | Women worldwide diagnosed in their lifetime, on average (IARC, 2025) |
| 3.2 million | New cases a year projected by 2050 if current rates continue (IARC, 2025) |
| About 80% | Of cases occur in women with no specific risk factor other than sex and age (WHO) |
| 0.5–1% | Of breast cancers occur in men (WHO) |
Breast cancer in the UAE
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the UAE. The UAE National Cancer Registry recorded 1,456 new cases in 2023 — a rate of about 94 per 100,000 women, as reported in November 2025.
The same report noted that around two-thirds of cases in the UAE are now diagnosed at an early stage — exactly what screening and awareness are meant to achieve.
Why finding it early changes everything
The stage at which breast cancer is found is the single biggest factor in the outcome. American Cancer Society figures, based on diagnoses between 2015 and 2021, show the five-year relative survival rate falling sharply as the cancer spreads.
| Stage when found | 5-year relative survival |
|---|---|
| Localised — only in the breast | Over 99% |
| Regional — spread to nearby lymph nodes | 87% |
| Distant — spread to other organs | 32% |
When should you start screening?
The 2024 recommendation of the US Preventive Services Task Force is a mammogram every two years for women from 40 to 74, and Dubai's screening guidance likewise starts mammograms at 40. Women with a strong family history of breast cancer, or a known inherited gene change, may need to start earlier — that is worth raising at a consultation rather than waiting.
Under 40, or for a lump you can feel, a breast ultrasound is usually the first test. In dense breast tissue, adding an ultrasound to a mammogram can find what a mammogram alone may miss. Our article on mammograms and breast ultrasound explains the difference in detail.
Signs not to ignore
Screening is for women without symptoms. If you notice any of the following, book a consultation now rather than waiting for a screening date:
- A new lump or thickening in the breast or armpit
- A change in the size or shape of a breast
- Dimpling or puckering of the skin, or skin that looks like orange peel
- A nipple that has turned inward, or a rash or crusting on the nipple
- Fluid or blood from one nipple, when not breastfeeding
- Persistent pain in one area of the breast
What you can do this October
Get to know what is normal for your breasts, so you notice changes early. Keep active, limit alcohol and keep to a healthy weight — all linked to lower risk. And if you are 40 or over, or have a family history, book your screening.
At Smart Care Polyclinic in Deira, a female gynaecologist examines you and arranges the imaging that suits you — a breast ultrasound, a mammogram, or both — and goes through the results with you. If you have a mother, sister or friend who is due too, you can book together.
Common questions
Why is October Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
October is the international month for raising awareness of breast cancer, symbolised by the pink ribbon. It is a reminder for women to check their breasts, know the signs, and book screening when it is due.
How common is breast cancer?
It is the most common cancer in women worldwide. In 2024 an estimated 2.4 million women were diagnosed, and on average 1 in 20 women will be diagnosed in her lifetime. It is also the most common cancer among women in the UAE.
At what age should I have a mammogram?
Current guidance recommends a mammogram every two years from age 40. If you have a strong family history or a known gene change, speak to a doctor about starting earlier.
Is breast cancer curable if found early?
When breast cancer is found while it is still only in the breast, the five-year relative survival rate is over 99%, according to American Cancer Society figures. That is why screening before symptoms matters.
Can men get breast cancer?
Yes, although it is rare — about 0.5 to 1% of breast cancers occur in men. Any lump or change in the chest area should be checked by a doctor.
References
- World Health Organization. Breast cancer — fact sheet (2024 figures).
- International Agency for Research on Cancer. Breast cancer cases and deaths are projected to rise globally (Nature Medicine, February 2025).
- American Cancer Society. Survival rates for breast cancer — 5-year relative survival by SEER stage, diagnoses 2015–2021.
- US Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for Breast Cancer: Recommendation Statement. JAMA. 2024;331(22):1918–1930.
- Gulf News. UAE breast cancer rate hits 94 per 100,000 women (2 November 2025).
This article is general health information, not medical advice, and does not replace a consultation. Care at Smart Care Polyclinic is provided by DHA-licensed clinicians.