Sharjah: The Pink Caravan, the nationwide breast cancer awareness drive, is to take to the road in February Shaikha Jawaher Bint Mohammad Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, announced.
During the eleven-day expedition the caravan, accompanied by mobile detection clinics, will take part in a horseback ride across the seven emirates, starting off in Sharjah, then heading towards Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Ajman, then back through Sharjah and on to Dubai and Al Ain, concluding the ride in Abu Dhabi. The event will take place between February 15 to 25.
Shaikha Jawaher, who is also the Ambassador of the World Cancer Declaration and the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), International Ambassador for Childhood Cancer and founder and Royal Patron of the Friends of Cancer Patients charitable society (FoCP), started the initiative in 2011.
The initiative aims to educate people about breast cancer and offers residents free screening services. It also focuses on the importance of regular self-examination and early detection, and clarifies the social stigma, and myths around the disease.
“The Pink Caravan medical teams will be providing annual mammography and medical check-ups, all in accordance with international best practices and standards,” said Shaikha Jawaher.
She also added that last year’s ride detected 14 breast cancer cases, including one Emirati man, and are all receiving treatment.
“The Pink Caravan’s mission is to encourage all segments of society to get involved in the fight against breast cancer, through fund-raising initiatives aiming at securing the sustainability of early detection activities, as well as supporting people undergoing treatment, both financially and morally.”
Since its launch Pink Caravan teams have managed to screen more than 500 people per day, covering 22,877 people in total, including 5,450 men.
