myAster unlocks 1,900 free mammograms through UAE Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign

UAE—Aster DM Healthcare’s digital platform, myAster, and Aster Clinics UAE have launched the ‘Walk for Her’ campaign in October 2026 to expand access to breast cancer screening by turning community walking into free mammogram appointments.

The initiative, running throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month, awards one free mammogram screening for every 10,000 steps recorded through the myAster app.

Participants have logged more than 19 million steps, unlocking 1,900 screenings, of which 236 have already been claimed.

Residents can book eligible screening appointments through the app until December 31, 2026, at participating Aster Clinics locations across the UAE.

Promoting early detection through community participation

The campaign aims to make preventive healthcare part of everyday routines by linking physical activity with access to breast cancer screening.

Participants can also share their experiences and nominate women they are walking for using the hashtag #WalkForHer, extending awareness beyond the app.

According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide.

Around 80% of cases occur in women without known risk factors other than being female and older than 40.

Although breast cancer predominantly affects women, men account for approximately 0.5% to 1% of cases.

Early detection and timely treatment can improve outcomes, making screening access an important component of cancer care.

Nalla Karunanithy, CEO of Digital Health and Omnichannel at Aster DM Healthcare, said the campaign seeks to encourage more open conversations about breast health and motivate women to prioritise screening.

He noted that the participation recorded so far demonstrates how community engagement can help translate awareness into action.

Dr Sherbaz Bichu, Group Chief Operating Officer for the GCC at Aster DM Healthcare, said early detection can improve breast cancer outcomes, but women must be able to access screening and follow-up care when needed.

The initiative connects activity tracking through myAster with mammography services at Aster Clinics, while the wider Aster healthcare network provides access to clinical expertise and additional care.

Expanding digital preventive healthcare

The campaign forms part of myAster’s broader digital healthcare offering, which has recorded 2.8 million app installs and reached more than five million people.

The platform provides access to consultations, pharmacy services and other healthcare solutions.

Its Thrive programme offers a 100-biomarker health assessment, alongside clinical guidance and personalised recommendations.

Aster Care for Her, delivered through Aster Hospitals and Clinics, also focuses on women’s health through awareness, screening, early detection and access to specialist care.

By linking digital engagement with physical screening services, the campaign illustrates how healthcare providers can use mobile platforms to encourage preventive care and connect users with clinical services.

Its performance will depend not only on participation but also on whether unlocked screenings translate into completed appointments and timely follow-up care.

Residents can participate through the myAster app or the website, www.myaster.com, by tracking their steps.

Every 10,000 steps logged contributes towards unlocking a free mammogram screening for a woman.

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