Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2024

The above plans and premiums are for AED 1,000,000 Sum insured for 1 Adult of 30 Years for Dubai city.

What is Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual campaign held every October to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer.

Breast cancer is a disease where malignant cells form in the tissues of the breast. It affects both women and men, though it is far more common in women. In 2024 alone, it is estimated that 310,720 women, along with 2,800 men, in the U.S. will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.

The origins of Breast Cancer Awareness Month date back to 1985, when it was established to promote early detection and raise funding for research. The month is symbolised by the pink ribbon, representing hope and strength.

This global campaign aims to educate people about the importance of regular check-ups and mammograms, as early detection dramatically improves survival rates. In fact, when breast cancer is caught in its localised stage, the 5-year survival rate is as high as 99%.

" Breast cancer changes you, and the change can be beautiful. " – Jane Cook, A Breast Cancer Survivor

Breast Cancer Awareness Events in the UAE

Here are the major cancer awareness events in UAE 2024 —

Date	Event Name	Location
October 11-12, 2024	International Breast Cancer Symposium	Dubai
October 18, 2024	Wear It Pink 2024	UAE-wide
November 18-19, 2024	Women's Health Conference 2024	Dubai

International Breast Cancer Symposium

It is a highly-regarded educational event that provides healthcare professionals with up to 15 hours of Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits. It focuses on the latest advancements in breast cancer screening, treatment protocols, and research.

Participants engage in discussions on personalised treatment strategies, challenges in early detection, and breakthroughs in breast cancer management.

Wear It Pink 2024

‘Wear It Pink’ is a global initiative where individuals and organisations wear pink to show solidarity with breast cancer survivors and raise awareness about the disease.

In the UAE, various activities, including fundraising and educational programs, will be organised to mark the day. People from all walks of life are encouraged to participate in this Breast cancer awareness event, which is expected to make it one of the most visually impactful and community-driven breast cancer awareness activities.

Women's Health Conference 2024

Theme: "Innovations in Breast Cancer Research: Advancing Women's Health"

This conference is an essential gathering for researchers, healthcare professionals, and students to explore the latest innovations in breast cancer research. It will foster discussion on cutting-edge developments in diagnostics, treatment, and preventive care in women's health. The event will feature presentations from experts in the field, offering a platform to share ideas, experiences, and research findings that contribute to advancements in breast cancer care and management.

Breast Cancer Awareness Event 2024: Theme, Logo and Slogan

Theme

Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2024 theme is "No One Should Face Breast Cancer Alone”. This message emphasises the importance of community support, solidarity, and raising awareness about breast cancer while ensuring that no one battles the disease in isolation.

This global initiative encourages people to participate in awareness activities, support breast cancer patients, and contribute to fundraising efforts for research and treatment advancements.

Logo

The Pink Ribbon remains the universally-recognised logo for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It symbolises hope, strength, and solidarity in the fight against breast cancer.

Throughout October, the ribbon is displayed on various platforms to unite communities and raise awareness. This logo has become synonymous with breast cancer advocacy and is used in campaigns, events, and fundraising efforts globally.

Slogan

A widely used slogan for 2024 is ‘Think Pink’, which has been one of the most effective and long-standing slogans for breast cancer awareness. It’s simple and memorable, and encourages people to take action — whether through donations, wearing pink, or supporting breast cancer initiatives.

Other popular slogans include ‘Fight Like a Girl’ and ‘Together We Are Stronger’, which promote strength, resilience, and unity in the battle against breast cancer.

Key Breast Cancer Facts You Need to Know in 2024

Breast cancer accounts for approximately 30% of all cancer cases in women in the US. Early detection significantly increases the survival rate.

Breast cancer in the UAE has been increasingly diagnosed in women under the age of 40, which is earlier than the global average.

With early detection through mammograms and screenings, the 5-year survival rate for breast cancer can reach as high as 99%.

More Deets on Breast Cancer

Prevention Tips for Breast Cancer

Maintain a Healthy Weight: Staying at a healthy weight reduces the risk of breast cancer, especially after menopause.
Exercise Regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day to boost overall health and lower cancer risk.
Limit Alcohol Intake: Reducing alcohol consumption to one drink a day or less can lower the risk of developing breast cancer.
Regular Screenings: Early detection is key. Schedule regular mammograms and breast exams as recommended by your healthcare provider.

Signs & Symptoms of Breast Cancer

A lump in the breast or underarm: The most common initial sign is a painless lump that may feel hard or unusual.
Changes in breast size or shape: Unexplained changes in the size, contour, or appearance of one or both breasts could indicate a problem.
Nipple discharge: Any abnormal discharge, especially if it’s bloody, clear or yellow, warrants medical attention.
Skin dimpling or puckering: The skin on the breast may develop a texture resembling the skin of an orange, known as peau d’orange.
Nipple inversion or retraction: Sudden inward turning of the nipple could be a sign of an underlying issue.
Redness or scaling of the breast skin or nipple: Persistent rash, redness, or changes in the texture of the skin around the breast can be symptomatic of breast cancer.
Breast or nipple pain: While not common, persistent pain in the breast or nipple area can be a symptom, particularly if combined with other signs.

Risk Factors Associated With Breast Cancer

Age: The risk of breast cancer increases as you get older, with most cases diagnosed in women over 50.
Family History: Having close relatives (like a mother or sister) diagnosed with breast cancer significantly raises your risk.
Hormone Replacement Therapy: Long-term use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after menopause can increase the risk of breast cancer.
Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, alcohol consumption, and lack of physical activity (which can further lead to obesity) are known to increase the risk of developing breast cancer.

Is Breast Cancer Included in Health Insurance?

As per DHA guidelines, it is mandatory for all insurers to provide screening & testing of Breast cancer under the BASMAH scheme. This is pre-included with all health insurance policies and will not reflect separately in the premium. However, the charge for Basmah is approximately AED 37.

Note: Any female suffering from Breast Cancer will further need to declare the medical condition while enrolling for a policy. Loading will be applicable in such conditions which vary from company to company and policy to policy.

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