Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UAE. According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer accounted for 21.4 percent of all cancer cases recorded in the UAE last year, totalling 1,030 new diagnoses. With this knowledge Mediclinic wants to support breast cancer screening to increase early detection of breast cancer via performance of screening mammography. This allows small tumours to be detected before they are palpable.
Mediclinic offers breast cancer screening for everyone eligible for this screening. Cancer screening is always offered to a specific group, based on international research and guidelines per type of cancer.
To check if you are able to proceed with breast cancer screening, please answer the below questions before making an appointment:
- Are you female?
- Are between 40 – 69 years old?
- Did you have a screening mammogram in the last 12 months?
If the answer is Yes, Yes, No then you are eligible for screening and you can proceed by making an appointment.
Screening packages rates:
- Breast cancer screening - AED 375
Includes:- Appointment with a Family Medicine physician in Mediclinic’s Virtual Clinic
- Mammogram at the radiology department in the Mediclinic hospital of your choice
Screening selection criteria
For all woman between the ages of 40 – 69 years old, with an average risk, breast cancer screening should be offered every two years.
Screening mammograms are carried out for healthy women who have no symptoms of breast cancer.
This differs from diagnostic mammograms, which are performed to evaluate a breast complaint or abnormality detected by clinical breast examination or routine screening mammogram.
Woman with increased or high risk will have a different screening routine; please discuss this with your breast surgeon. Some examples are women with previous treatment with chest radiation at age younger than 30, previous history of breast cancer, abnormalities on previous biopsies or with a strong family history or genetic predisposition.
The breast screening process
If you are eligible for breast cancer screening (see information at the top of this webpage), then you make an appointment with one of the Family Medicine doctors in Mediclinic’s Virtual Clinic. You can do this by calling 800 2033. We will quickly check your eligibility again before we schedule the actual appointment. You will receive a confirmation and payment link.
During the virtual consultation your Family Medicine doctor will go through a questionnaire with you, answer any of your questions and proceed with ordering the mammogram for you at the radiology department in the hospital of your choice. On the day of the appointment you can directly go to the radiology department of the hospital and tell the reception you are there for your booked appointment.
Before the mammogram you’re asked to remove neck jewellery and clothes from the waist up, covering your upper body with a gown which you will be given. During the mammogram procedure our mammographer (a technician specialised in performing mammography) will take you through the process step-by-step. Please refer to the frequent asked questions below under ‘How is a mammogram performed?’
Once the images are made, our mammographer may ask you to wait while she checks the quality of the images. If the views are inadequate for technical reasons, you may have to repeat part of the test. The entire procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes.
You will receive the result of the test within three weeks (15 working days) from the date the mammogram was performed. The Family Medicine doctor from the Virtual Clinic will call you with the results.
What happens if the mammogram detects something?
For all abnormal results the Family Medicine doctor will refer you to see a breast surgeon by booking a consultation as soon as possible.
Frequently asked questions/ More information
What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is an x-ray image of your breasts. It can be used either for breast cancer screening or for diagnostic purposes, such as to investigate symptoms or unusual findings on another imaging test.
During a mammogram, your breasts are compressed between two firm surfaces to spread out the breast tissue. Then an x-ray captures black-and-white images that are displayed on a computer screen and examined for signs of cancer.
How can I prepare for a mammogram?
A lot of woman are a bit nervous for their mammogram, which we fully understand. To prepare for your mammogram follow the advice below:
- Schedule the test for a time when your breasts are least likely to be tender. If you menstruate, that's usually during the week after your menstrual period
- Bring your prior mammogram images. If you're going to a new facility for your mammogram, request to have any prior mammograms placed on a CD. Bring the CD with you to your appointment so that the radiologist can compare past mammograms with your new images
- Don't use deodorant before your mammogram. Avoid using deodorants, antiperspirants, powders, lotions, creams or perfumes under your arms or on your breasts. Metallic particles in powders and deodorants could be visible on your mammogram and cause confusion
How is a mammogram performed?
Before your mammogram you’re asked to remove neck jewellery and clothes from the waist up, covering you upper body with a given gown
During the mammogram procedure, you stand in front of an x-ray machine specially designed for mammography. Our mammographer (a technician specialised in performing mammography) places one of your breasts on a platform and raises or lowers the platform to match your height. The mammographer will position your head, arms and torso in a way to allow an unobstructed view of your breast.
Your breast is gradually pressed against the platform by a clear plastic plate. Pressure is applied for a few seconds to spread out the breast tissue. The pressure isn't harmful, but it can cause some discomfort. Please communicate with our staff if the discomfort becomes too much.
Your breast must be compressed to even out its thickness and permit the x-rays to scan the breast tissue. The pressure also holds your breast still to decrease blurring from movement and minimises the dose of radiation needed. During the brief x-ray exposure, you'll be asked to stand still and hold your breath.
Once the images are made, our mammographer may ask you to wait while she checks the quality of the images. If the views are inadequate for technical reasons, you may have to repeat part of the test. The entire procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes.
Can I do everything after the mammogram?
There are no restrictions after the mammogram is performed, and you can resume normal activities.
What are the possible outcomes?
To give an overview of the possible outcomes of the mammogram, we have listed the categories below:
Normal mammogram
Requires no further follow up. You are advised to follow the breast cancer screening programme and do the next screening mammogram after two years.
Abnormal mammogram
Patients will be offered an appointment with a breast surgeon, to allow further investigation, with one or more of the following:
- Clinical examination
- Special view mammography
- Ultrasound examination (useful in younger patients and to identify cysts particularly)
- Fine-needle aspiration and cytology
How often do I need a mammogram?
Based on the international and national guidelines for breast cancer screening all females from age 40 years and above need to have a screening mammogram every two (2) years if there are no symptoms.