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A HealthHub Clinics specialist explains the changes to look out for, when to start screening and why you shouldn't wait for your next mammogram
30 October 2026
| Last updated on 30 October 2026
Your no-panic guide to breast awareness, screening and personal risk
Between work, family and everything else life throws at you, it's easy to put your own health last. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a timely reminder to make room for breast health: understand your personal risk, keep up with recommended screening and see a doctor when something changes.
Early detection can improve treatment outcomes, and taking action starts with knowing what's normal for you. We asked Dr Marjan Movassaghi, Specialist Obstetrics and Gynaecology at HealthHub Clinics by Al-Futtaim, to walk us through what every woman in the UAE should know.
Know What Is Normal for You
Breast awareness simply means getting familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel. Many breast changes are caused by benign (non-cancerous) conditions, but any new or persistent symptom should always be checked.
Speak to your doctor if you notice:
- A new lump in the breast or underarm
- A change in breast size or shape
- Skin dimpling, thickening or persistent redness
- A nipple that has newly turned inward
- Unusual nipple discharge, particularly if it is bloody
- Persistent pain in one specific area of the breast
"Do not wait for a lump or other breast change to become painful before seeking advice. Breast cancer can develop without pain, particularly in its early stages."
- Dr Marjan Movassaghi
Dr Marjan Movassaghi
Specialist Obstetrics and Gynaecology
HealthHub by Al-Futtaim Clinics in Dubai
Understand the Role of Breast Cancer Screening
Screening is designed for women who don't have any breast symptoms. Mammography remains the main screening test because it can pick up changes before they're large enough to feel.
For women at average risk, several international guidelines recommend starting mammograms at age 40, although how often you should go varies. Your doctor can help you work out when to begin and how regularly to attend, based on your age, personal and family medical history, breast density and any previous imaging.
Women at higher risk may need to start earlier or follow a more intensive screening plan. This may include women with certain inherited genetic changes (such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations), a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, or previous radiotherapy to the chest at a young age. For some, a breast MRI may be recommended alongside mammography.
Ultrasound is also useful when investigating a lump or other symptoms. However, it doesn't routinely replace mammography for women of screening age.
Know Your Personal Risk
Some risk factors, like getting older and inherited genetic changes, can't be changed. Hormonal and reproductive factors can also play a part.
Tell your doctor about any breast or ovarian cancers on either side of your family, especially if a relative was diagnosed at a young age. Genetic counselling and testing may be right for some families.
Lifestyle choices matter too. Staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol and avoiding smoking all support your overall health and may help lower your breast cancer risk. These steps can't remove the risk completely, which is why breast awareness and the right screening for you are still so important.
Don't Wait for Your Next Mammogram If Something Changes
If you find a lump or notice another worrying change, book a medical assessment rather than waiting for your next routine screening, even if your last mammogram was normal. Your doctor can assess the symptom and arrange diagnostic imaging or further tests if needed.
Most breast changes are not cancer. Getting them checked promptly can give you peace of mind, or allow treatment to begin sooner if a problem is found.
Make Breast Health a Year-Round Priority
Breast Cancer Awareness Month can be the start of habits you keep all year: knowing your breasts, understanding your family history and keeping up with the screening recommended for you.
If you've been postponing an appointment or putting off a conversation about a change, now is the time to take that first step. Know what's normal for you, understand your risk, and when something changes, seek advice promptly.
Looking after your breast health doesn't have to feel overwhelming, and you don't have to figure it out alone. Dr Marjan Movassaghi and the team at HealthHub Clinics by Al-Futtaim can help you understand your risk and plan the screening that's right for you.
