The Ministry of Health has formed ties with various private hospitals to offer mammograms at discounted rates as part of a breast cancer awareness initiative.
Some of the private hospitals will offer discounts ranging from 50 to 90 per cent.
"We want to encourage more women to get mammograms done," said Dr Mariam Mattar, assistant undersecretary of Public Health and Primary Healthcare at the Ministry of Health.
Once a lump or possible cancer cases are detected, the patient will be given immediate attention and referred to specialists, she added.
This is a part of the year-long breast cancer awareness campaign organised by the National Committee for Breast Cancer under the ministry.
Belhoul Hospital in Al Baraha, for example, now offers a discounted rate of Dh240 for a mammogram (until October 31).
Among the activities lined up is a walkathon which will start in Abu Dhabi and be held in all the emirates. US First Lady Laura Bush earlier this week also visited the UAE as part of the drive.
The ministry is also trying to create more awareness about breast cancer and conducting a training programme for volunteers.
