In a groundbreaking effort to make breast cancer screening more accessible, Burjeel Cancer Institute (BCI) has launched the ‘Scan for Life’ campaign, a mobile mammogram program designed to bring early detection and education directly to communities across the UAE. The initiative, which kicked off during Pink October, features a bright pink mammogram truck equipped with state-of-the-art digital mammography systems, operated by an all-female team to ensure privacy and comfort for participants. The mobile unit has already visited key locations in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra, with plans to expand to Dubai and Sharjah soon. At each stop, BCI specialists conduct educational talks on breast health, teaching women how to perform self-examinations and recognize early warning signs. The campaign has been met with overwhelming positivity, with hundreds of women screened since its launch. For those requiring further assessment, BCI provides seamless follow-up at its Breast Centre in Burjeel Medical City, where advanced imaging and same-day diagnosis are available. The Breast Centre, launched in April 2025, offers AI-assisted imaging and a Survivorship Programme to support women post-treatment. Dr. Diaeddine Trad, Director & Consultant Medical Oncology at BCI, emphasized the importance of early detection, stating, ‘The earlier breast cancer is detected, the better the chances of successful treatment.’ The campaign’s success lies in its integration of education, technology, and empathy, making it a model for community-centered healthcare. ‘Every woman screened today is one step closer to saving a life tomorrow,’ said Dr. Dima Abdul Jabbar, Consultant Medical Oncology and Director of Burjeel Breast Centre. Through this initiative, BCI is redefining how healthcare systems can reach out, listen, and care, proving that access to life-saving care should not depend on geography or circumstances.
Early detection on wheels: Burjeel Cancer Institute’s drive to make breast cancer screening accessible for all
