Spread awareness of breast cancer

The recent launch of the first national campaign against breast cancer in the UAE should be perceived as a significant step in terms of providing the appropriate healthcare for women. The drive is timely as much as necessary. The only means of effectively dealing with the disease is by creating awareness about it.

Launched under the patronage of Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairperson of the UAE General Women's Union, the campaign concerns all. Breast cancer does not affect women alone, but entire families as well. According to officials, over the next two years the campaign will allocate Dh80 million to provide medical facilities and services for those suffering from the disease. It will also put together awareness campaigns to educate women about the disease.

The campaign's launch has taken place in all the emirates to educate women about the disease, specifically among the age groups 26 to 40 and those older than 40.

In a related initiative to fight breast cancer, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry has announced a drive to fight the disease with the involvement of the business community.

To successfully deal with breast cancer as a disease, it is important to take many factors into account. Firstly, the issue of spreading knowledge of the disease is critical as early detection and treatment can save lives. This can only be possible with the involvement of all women as part of the solution. Secondly, any awareness campaign should ensure that it is reaching all women.

For the campaign to succeed in delivering its message, it should be inclusive of all groups. And in order to achieve this, a coordination of the efforts is a must.