Breast cancer cases record 20 percent rise in UAE

Dubai: The number of women diagnosed with breast cancer in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has risen by 20 percent over the past six years, according to figures published by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) on Wednesday.

The DHA study revealed that many of the diagnosed patients are below the age of 40 and have a family history of cancer. In addition, the majority of the cases were discovered in the second stage, with 30 percent discovered in the disease's third stage, Xinhua news agency reported.

Breast cancer is treated either with chemotherapy or -- if the disease is in an advanced stage -- through a mastectomy.

In the worst case scenario, it can be fatal and according to the American Cancer Society, three percent of women diagnosed with cancer die.