According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation in the United States, early detection of breast cancer can save lives and offer a survival rate of 93% or higher in the first five years. This month, the Pink Caravan mobile clinics and its Minivan Clinic are incentivizing women to get tested throughout Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah to raise awareness of breast cancer. During the month of October, free screening is being offered to women as part of an initiative by Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP), a Sharjah-based organization and its partners to aid in the early diagnosis of breast cancer and treatment.
The initiative will also conduct a number of public events on the topic with assistance from partners MSD, Pfizer, Adnoc, Amit Group, and others, with backing from the Ministry of Health and Prevention. Breast cancer is currently the most prevalent kind of cancer worldwide, including in the UAE, according to Ashraf Mallak, managing director of MSD for the GCC. He said, "With patients being at the heart of our efforts, we are committed to improving long-term disease control and survival for patients.” He continued by mentioning that the business had developed an immuno-oncology therapy and was conducting 1,300 clinical trials to examine more than 30 different kinds of tumors.
In order to have a stronger impact in the UAE this year, to boost a successful awareness campaign and urge women to attend the screenings, the organization is collaborating with FOCP's Pink Caravan. According to FOCP Chairman Sawsan Jafar, last year their Pink Caravan program was successful in providing thousands of free breast health assessments, including clinical breast exams, mammograms, and ultrasound tests. This demonstrates both the kindness and assistance shown by their sponsors and partners as well as the eagerness of UAE residents to take an active role in protecting their own health and well-being. For them to have the biggest impact, more help is constantly required. To secure this year’s success they implore their supporters, including sponsors, governmental and private organizations, and the general public to step up once again. He added, “The UAE will always stay ahead of breast cancer thanks to a responsible community and dedicated philanthropists.”
Here’s where you can go for a complimentary breast cancer screening session during the month of October:
- University of Sharjah – October 4, 9am to 3pm
- Emirates Identity Authority – October 5, 9am to 3pm
- Sharjah Ladies Club – October 7, 4pm to 10pm
- Mirdif City Centre, October 8, 4pm to 10pm
- Yas Mall, October 8, Abu Dhabi, 4pm to 10pm
- La Mer, October 15, 4pm to 10pm
- Dubai Frame, October 16, 4pm to 10pm
- Mamzar Park, October 16, 4pm to 10pm
- Umm Al Emarat Park, Abu Dhabi, October 18, 4pm to 10pm
- University of Sharjah, October 19, 9am to 3pm
- Raw Coffee in Dubai, October 23, 10am to 4pm
- Al Majaz Waterfront, October 27, 4pm to 10pm
- Museum of the Future, October 28, 4pm to 10pm
- Mega Mall in Sharjah, October 29, 4pm to 10pm
- Dubai Digital Park, October 30, 4pm to 19pm
