Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in women worldwide, with nearly 1.1 million new cases diagnosed each year – and the UAE is no different. Since 2011, Pink Caravan (PC), an initiative by Friends of Cancer patients (FoCP), has been concentrating all its efforts to raise awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection through regular self-checks and medical screenings.

61-year-old Madiha, a physician-pharmacist by profession and a mother of two young university graduates, is one of PC’s recent success stories. She comes forward to share her journey in successfully fighting breast cancer, which was diagnosed by accident in March 2018 when she suffered from a minor injury in the under-breast area in a road accident.

Like several women, Madiha’s cancer diagnosis was by accident. “Being a pharmacist, and knowing the importance of self-examinations, I used to do them regularly. Discovering I had cancer, however, was a complete coincidence. After a car accident, I had a bandage on my breast for three days. I felt something lumpy in my breast – a tumor-like mass – when it was being taken off. I discovered this in March 2018, when the eighth edition of the Pink Caravan Ride (PCR) was doing the rounds across the country. I immediately went to one of PC’s clinics and was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer,” said Madiha.

She continued: “PC immediately referred me to the University Hospital Sharjah (UHS), where I had surgery in April. Two months later, they also put me on needed therapy sessions. I am indebted to Pink Caravan for not only covered my treatment costs; they gave me unlimited emotional support, which strengthened my response to treatment.”

“The first thing that came to my mind when I was told I had cancer was my children. My dream is to be by their side for as long as possible, especially since their father passed away in 2009. I thought about them and I burst into tears,” the brave cancer survivor said.

In its eight-year journey, PC has turned the breast cancer challenge into a message of hope for the UAE’s and Sharjah’s people, in line with the nation’s strong commitment to safeguarding people’s health and offering quality healthcare services to all regardless of their nationality, sex, or age.

Each year, the annual breast cancer awareness campaign – the Pink Caravan Ride (PCR) – travels to all seven emirates of the UAE to dispel misconceptions and taboos that surround breast cancer by showing community members ways to avert the risks of developing it as well as undergo regular screenings, which are key to early detection and successful treatment. It is medically proven that breast cancers that are detected early have a 98 percent chance of full recovery through right treatment and care.

The ninth edition of PCR will take place from the 23^rd of February until 1^st March, and aims to offer free screenings to 9,000 citizens and residents of the UAE.

Under the patronage and support of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, PC detected and provided breast cancer treatment to 61 patients, successfully bringing a majority of them back to health. This is a huge contribution, especially to those who face difficulties bearing the high costs of cancer treatment.

Madiha has called on all community members to support cancer patients. She says the Pink Caravan and FOCP are true inspirations in the way they provide financial, emotional and medical support that to hundreds of cancer patients and their families.

Dr Sawsan Al Madhi, Director General of Friends of Cancer Patients and Head of the Medical and Awareness Committee of Pink Caravan: “With the unfailing support of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi and our partners from the government and private sectors and social society, the Pink Caravan has been fortunate enough to offer treatment to all cancer cases detected in our clinics. Part of our approach to fighting breast cancer is humanitarian, which we do by facilitating free check-ups and treatment for patients.”

Al Madhi added: “We are keen on bringing inspiring stories and experiences of breast cancer survivors to others affected by it, as it is one of the most effective ways to instil hope in patients and raise public’s awareness about the importance of early detection. The joy of supporting patients and their families through their treatment journey, and seeing that support materialise in the form of a gift of life cannot really be expressed in words.”

Madiha is a source of inspiration for others who battle cancer today. Displaying an indomitable spirit for life, she successfully coordinated her treatment sessions, her profession as a physician-pharmacist, and her personal life as a mother.

The Pink Caravan Ride provides free examinations for men and women, citizens and residents of all categories in the UAE society, through more than 30 mobile and fixed medical clinics operated by 200 medical personnel. The clinics have provided so far screenings to more than 56,000 individuals, which have led to the diagnosis of 61 breast cancer cases.

Inaugurated in February 2018, the Pink Caravan began a new chapter in its journey with a new portfolio of free medical services to the UAE community throughout the year, not only during the Pink Caravan annual rides. Services include breast cancer screening with 3D mammography, Pap smear (also called a Pap test), a screening procedure for cervical cancer, which is the world’s first service of its kind added to a mobile clinic, as well as a range of other medical tests, including sugar, blood pressure, osteoporosis and height and weight measurements.

The Pink Caravan confirms that there are many symptoms of breast cancer, which need immediate medical consultation, including a change in size or shape of the breast, a lump or area that feels thicker than the rest of the breast, and a change in skin texture and/or around the nipple, noting that some of these changes occur naturally during pregnancy or lactation.

The PC highlighted that leading a healthy and active lifestyle, eating more fruits and vegetables, maintaining a healthy weight, and the proper use of hormone replacement therapy medications are important factors in reducing the risk of developing breast cancer.

The PC highlighted that leading a healthy and active lifestyle, eating more fruits and vegetables, maintaining a healthy weight, and the proper use of hormone replacement therapy medications are important factors in reducing the risk of developing breast cancer.