Abu Dhabi: The Health Authority Abu Dhabi (Haad) is organising a month-long public awareness campaign to help combat breast cancer across Abu Dhabi, an initiative that comes in line with the month of October, known as the global breast cancer awareness month.

Breast cancer has been identified as the single most common cancer in the UAE among Emiratis and expatriate women, according to Haad's breast cancer awareness team. It accounts for 28 per cent of all female deaths in the UAE.

With efforts to help raise awareness on women's health through various programmes and awareness activities in the past three years, the Haad has reported an evident reduction in the number of cases presenting late stages of breast cancer, from 64 per cent in 2009 to 36 per cent in 2010.

During a press conference to announce an aggressive collaborative effort between Haad, hospitals, and various governmental and non-governmental entities for the first time, various outreach programmes and activities to help combat and/or reduce breast cancer cases, across the emirate, were highlighted.

With the introduction of necessary government policy and the support from various public health awareness activities, the emirate of Abu Dhabi has successfully raised awareness on breast health.

Early detection of breast cancer results in complete cure in 98 per cent of the cases, and protects women from the side effects of intensive treatment. More than 25,597 mammogram appointments were booked through Haad's dedicated breast cancer, said Dr Jala Taher, Senior Programme Manager for Breast Cancer Programme at Haad.

The campaign will screen women aged 40 and above, using Tawam's mobile mammography van, with a special emphasis on remote areas to increase awareness.

"Early detection is crucial for successful treatment, and people need to understand this in order to become more pro-active by taking regular screenings and self- examinations seriously." said Dr Huda Al Shamsi, Member of the Breast Cancer Awareness Committee, Tawam Hospital.

Make a difference: The schedule

Pink-A-Thon: A walk for breast cancer, free mammograms and a breast cancer awareness workshop, on Friday, October 15, at Yas Island, organised by Radisson Blu and Park Inn Hotels. To register, call Radisson Blu Hotel on 02-656-2000.

Pink Polo: A charity exhibition game designed to raise awareness about breast cancer in the UAE, on Friday, October 22, at Ghantoot. It is being organised by Ghantoot Polo and Racing Club. For more information log on to www.pinkpolo.ae

4th Fun Run: Screenings and educational sessions, on Friday, October 29, at Al Bawadi Mall (Al Ain), Al Wagan Hospital, Al Basra Park, Al Jahli Clinic, Abu Dhabi Medical Congress (ADNEC), Al Khaladiya Mall Abu Dhabi, and Hili Fun City, Al Ain, organised by Tawam Hospital.

The Finale: On Sunday, October 31, at Zayed Sports City, organised by Haad and Abu Dhabi Media Company.

Haad statistics

• 160 women develop breast cancer every year in Abu Dhabi.

• 87 per cent of breast cancer cases occur after the age of 40 in the UAE.

• 80 per cent of breast lumps are benign (non-cancerous).

• 80 per cent of all cancerous lumps are found by women themselves.

• 800-61116 - Haad's call centre

• www.simplycheck.ae - Haad's dedicated breast cancer awareness website

Do you go for regular checkups? Is there enough awareness of this issue? Or are more campaigns required?