Dubai: A new breast cancer awareness drive will see women driving taxis spread the word on cancer prevention to female passengers.
The Pink Drive campaign was launched in Dubai on Monday by the Thumbay Hospital Dubai in association with the Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) of the Roads and Transport Authority.
Early detection is said to be the best way to fight the cancer, with physicians calling for regular screenings. More awareness will lead to more screenings, which in turn should make for a higher prevention rate, experts say.
Monday’s launch of the campaign at Thumbay Hospital saw 35 Pink Taxis manoeuvre into formation as a giant pink ribbon, the international symbol for breast cancer awareness.
The taxi drivers were gifted Thumbay Hospital vouchers that entitle them to free benefits such as gynaecologist consultation, mammogram, blood sugar, blood pressure and body mass index checks, dental consultation, as well as discounts on select dental treatments. They were also awarded gift baskets.
The event includes a seminar on breast cancer led by gynaecologist Dr Sireesha Edamadaka from Thumbay Hospital, who outlined symptoms of breast cancer, ways to detect it and preventive measures. A number of breast cancer survivors also shared their experiences at the seminar. The survivors were later honoured at the function.
Attending the event as chief guest was Shaikh Mohammad Maktoum Juma Al Maktoum, Chairman, MBM Group. Also present was Thumbay Moideen, Founder President, Thumbay Group; Dr Yousuf Al Ali, CEO, DTC; and Akbar Moideen Thumbay, Vice-President, Healthcare Division, Thumbay Group.
“Through this campaign, we aim to encourage all ladies to undergo frequent screenings to safeguard themselves against breast cancer. The disease is very treatable these days as long as it’s found early and treatment is initiated,” said Akbar Moideen Thumbay.
Dr Al Ali added that DTC was proud to be associated with organising the campaign to spread a positive message of breast cancer awareness. “We hope that the campaign would lead to more women being educated on the issue of breast cancer, eventually saving lives,” Dr Al Ali said.
