Dubai: Hundreds of Dubai cyclists will come together to take part in the Dubai Pink Cancer Ride Campaign on Thursday to raise funds for underprivileged patients affected by breast cancer.
The 16km ride will begin at 7.30am and will take place along Jumeirah Beach Road. Registration for the ride, which is organised by the Dubai Health Authority, is free.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), breast cancer is the top cancer among women worldwide and is increasing, particularly in developing countries.
The WHO World Cancer Report also revealed that there were 568 breast cancer cases in the UAE in 2012.
“Breast cancer remains to be one of the most common cancers and early detection is absolutely essential to save lives and minimise the trauma and complications patients go through,” said Salim Bin Lahej, a DHA official.
Campaigns which raise both funds and awareness about breast cancer are vital, according to Dr Dalia Al Shourbagy, a senior specialist oncologist at Dubai Hospital.
Early detection is the best chance women have to get cured of cancer, she said.
“With advances in science there are high chances of curing the disease with minimum invasion through early detection.”
“In fact, if breast cancer is detected early on, the survival rate is 92 per cent. However, if the disease is detected in the advanced stage, survival is only 27 per cent.”
