Sharjah The second Pink Caravan Campaign will next month raise awareness on cervical cancer in addition to the importance of early detection of breast cancer, organisers said Monday.
The Pink Caravan Campaign is an initiative launched in 2011 by the organisation Friends of Cancer Patients to raise awareness of breast cancer in the country, and is held under the patronage of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. The campaign will run annually until 2014.
"Last year, we were able to refer 2250 cases for mammogram and ultrasound screenings, and also provided treatment to those who were diagnosed with breast cancer," said Ameera bin Karam, founding member and president of the board of trustees at Friends of Cancer Patients while speaking at a press conference yesterday.
"Contributions helped fund the Pink Caravan's activities, provide treatment to breast cancer patients, and come closer to our goal of acquiring high-tech mobile clinics to conduct mammograms in remote areas where residents cannot travel to hospital or who cannot afford treatment," explained Ameera.
The campaign will commence in Sharjah on April 5 and continue for 10 days until it reaches Abu Dhabi, covering a span of 266 kilometres.
The Pink Caravan will be accompanied with more than 10 volunteer riders and five riders from the campaign's ambassadors on a daily basis, who will visit the areas of Al Dhaid, Ajman, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Dubai Academic City, Jumeirah Beach, Marina Mall and Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi.
Dr Sawsan Al Madhi, Chairperson of the Pink Caravan's Medical and Awareness Committee, pointed out that they are targeting 5000 screening tests at the mobile clinic over a period of 17 days.
"The medical and awareness committee will arrange more than 60 mobile clinics this year, through five teams in all parts of the country," said Dr Sawsan, who noted that the tests will be conducted through a medical team consisting of more than 50 doctors, medics, medical technicians and health advisors.
Cecile Guillemot, Chairperson of the Pink Caravan Higher Committee, explained that the route this year was slightly altered to include a coastal path around the UAE.
"The reason for this change is to take our message and spark further curiosity at the heart of every city we pass through. We will be passing by corniches, bank streets, academic cities, universities, public beaches and malls," said Guillemot.
However, the medical route will cover all areas that were visited last year, in addition to visiting further sites in the Northern Emirates.
Residents will be able to have access to news feeds, journey information and the journey map by downloading the Pink Caravan Campaign application on their iPhones or androids. Or residents can opt to follow the campaign on twitter @ThePinkCaravan.
