Dubai: The Pink Caravan's mobile clinics received a huge response from citizens and expatriates alike on the second day of campaign activities.
The medical teams managed to examine over 600 applicants in Dreamland's clinics in Umm Al Quwain and at Dubai Outlet Mall on Friday.
The teams held mini workshops for female applicants, where volunteers explained the method of self-examination, necessity of early detection, and regular examination.
Speaking about women's response to screening, Dr Sawsan Al Madhi, head of the Pink Caravan's awareness and medical committee, said: "We have been noticing a high demand from women in the major and remote cities for screening from the moment we started our activities. The significance of our presence in remote areas this year was apparent, as women's response to screening was higher than ever.
The Pink Caravan helped these women gain confidence and break through the barrier of fear of the disease and screening."
Mammogram clinics
"A number of cases have been referred to mammogram and ultrasound exams after showing some suspicious symptoms. The presence of the mammogram and ultrasound clinic with the medical personnel in remote areas has facilitated the test process and made it faster, with more precise and reliable results," she added.
Meanwhile, residents in Masafi received the Pink Caravan riders. The riders undertook the 30-kilometre trek between Al Dhaid and Masafi on the second day of the campaign. They started from Al Dhaid main road going to Friday Market, and then to Masafi Hospital. Masafi residents accompanied the riders, guiding them to local attractions in town as well as to meet people.
Destination Fujairah
The Pink Caravan's riders will arrive in Fujairah today while the medical teams will be at Masafi Hospital and Al Madinah Medical Centre, both in the same emirate.
Pink Caravan's campaign will run annually until 2014. The Pink Caravan's ride started in Sharjah on April 5 and will culminate in Abu Dhabi on April 14.
The caravan has over 180 riders divided into 15 — 18 riders daily, including the Pink Caravan's ambassadors.
The caravan's ride aims to spread greater awareness about breast cancer, encourage regular tests, and raise funds to buy a 3D mammogram clinic which will provide free tests for citizens and expatriates in the country.
The Pink Caravan is an initiative launched by the Friends of Cancer Patients in 2011, campaigning towards bringing about awareness of breast cancer in the country.
