In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed female cancer. It is the most common cause of cancer death among women in the region. With approximately 118,200 new cases and 41,000 deaths, breast cancer accounts for a quarter (25%) of all cancer incidence and nearly one-fifth (20%) of cancer mortality in MENA women.

Breast cancer is a disease in which abnormal breast cells grow out of control and form a mass called tumor. The earliest form starts in situ and can be detected early stages. If left unchecked, cancer cells can spread to nearby lymph nodes or other organs (metastasize). This can be life-threatening and fatal.

While the exact cause of most breast cancers is not yet known, researchers have found some risk factors. These include hormones, lifestyle choices and things in the environment. However, it’s not clear why some people who don’t have any factors get cancer, yet others with risk factors never do.

Key Risk Factors include:

• Gender and Age: Being female is the strongest risk factor (approximately 99% of cases occur in women, with 0.5–1% in men). Risk significantly increases with age, particularly after 40.
• Family History and Genetics: Having a family history of breast cancer increases risk. Inherited high-penetrance mutations—most notably in the BRCA1, BRCA2, and PALB-2 genes can drastically raise risk.
• Reproductive History: The age at which menstrual periods began and the age at first pregnancy can be influential.
• Lifestyle Factors: These include obesity, tobacco use, harmful alcohol consumption, and postmenopausal hormone therapy.

Most breast cancers, especially in the early stages, are painless and may not even show clear symptoms. This is precisely why regular screening is crucial. However, being familiar with your body is essential.

Seek medical advice immediately if you notice any of the following signs or symptoms:

• A lump or thickened area in the breast or underarm that feels distinct from the surrounding tissue.
• Changes in the size, shape, or appearance of a breast.
• Visible changes to the skin over the breast, such as dimpling (like an orange peel), or redness.
• Nipple changes, such as the nipple turning inward, flattening, or having unusual peeling, scaling, or crusting.
• Abnormal or bloody fluid discharge from the nipple.
• Changes in skin color or changes in the skin surrounding the nipple (areola).

Breast cancer treatment is highly personalized and depends on the specific cancer subtype and the extent to which it has spread (stage). Doctors often use a combination of approaches to minimize the chance of the cancer recurring.

Treatment options include: surgery, radiation therapy, and medication therapies that include chemotherapy, hormonal therapies, or targeted biological therapies.

Breast cancer doesn’t wait, and neither should you. As ALMehwar Hospital supports the Global Breast Cancer Initiative, we remind you that early detection is the single most important factor in saving lives. We adhere to the global commitment to breast health by offering the highest standards of technology and patient-centered support. Call us directly at 15626 to secure your appointment.