Burjeel Breast Centre, part of the Burjeel Cancer Institute (BCI) at Burjeel Medical City in Abu Dhabi, offers a comprehensive and integrated approach to breast cancer care. The centre recently received designation as a Centre of Excellence for breast cancer from the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), recognizing its multidisciplinary model and commitment to advancing treatment standards.
The centre’s approach addresses the complex needs of women diagnosed with breast cancer, providing coordinated care from early detection to long-term follow-up. A team of specialists—including breast surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, genetic counsellors, reconstructive surgeons, psychologists, nutritionists, rehabilitation experts, and palliative care professionals—work collaboratively to tailor treatment plans. This integrated model minimizes the need for patients to navigate multiple appointments and departments independently, with many patients receiving a comprehensive assessment and personalised plan within 24 hours.
Advanced diagnostic capabilities at Burjeel Breast Centre include 3D mammography, contrast-enhanced mammography, breast MRI, automated breast ultrasound, image-guided biopsies, PET-CT imaging, and the application of artificial intelligence in diagnostic analysis. These technologies support precise evaluation of breast conditions, enabling specialists to develop treatment strategies based on cancer type, stage, and individual patient factors. Treatment options encompass breast-conserving surgery, oncoplastic and reconstructive procedures, systemic therapies, precision radiation oncology, genetic risk assessment, and access to clinical trials.
The centre’s services are supported by multiple international accreditations, including Joint Commission International Clinical Care Programme Certification for breast cancer, recognition as a European Society for Medical Oncology Designated Centre of Integrated Oncology and Palliative Care, College of American Pathologists accreditation, and ISO 15189 certification for medical laboratories.
Beyond hospital-based care, Burjeel Breast Centre is extending breast cancer screening into the community through a Mobile Mammography Truck initiative. Launched during Breast Cancer Awareness Month with support from the DoH and Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, the campaign provides screenings at workplaces, educational institutions, shopping malls, and residential areas across Abu Dhabi City, Al Ain, and surrounding regions. The mobile unit is equipped with advanced mammography technology and staffed by specialized medical and technical personnel, offering women convenient and private access to early detection services. Educational sessions on breast cancer risk factors, warning signs, and the importance of regular screening complement the outreach efforts and continue beyond October.
CEO of Burjeel Cancer Institute, Professor Humaid Al Shamsi, highlighted the importance of making screening accessible regardless of location, emphasizing early detection as key to expanding treatment options and improving outcomes.
Recognizing that breast cancer treatment impacts patients beyond medical interventions, Burjeel Breast Centre provides supportive services including private chemotherapy infusion suites, scalp cooling therapy to mitigate hair loss, psychological support, nutritional counselling, rehabilitation, and survivorship planning. These services, integrated into the overall care pathway, aim to help patients maintain quality of life throughout treatment and recovery.
The centre also invests in ongoing research, medical education, innovation, and international collaboration to foster evidence-based care and incorporate emerging therapies for breast cancer patients in the region.