With breast cancer overtaking lung cancer as the most common cancer worldwide, for the first time in 2020, Pink Caravan – a pan-UAE breast cancer awareness initiative by the Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP), is stepping up efforts to reinforce its key messages of early detection and timely diagnosis through a series of free clinical screenings, expert medical consultations, and educational awareness lectures.

In observance of the International Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, the Sharjah-based nonprofit has strengthened its resolve to promote breast health amongst the UAE’s international community and offer tailored solutions to meet their needs, especially as the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the challenges of late-stage diagnosis and lack of access to treatment.

A total of 21 mobile clinics offering free mammogram screenings, 12 breast cancer awareness talks in English and Arabic, and a ‘Pink Steps’ challenge, have been scheduled by Pink Caravan to urgently educate the community and increase awareness of risk factors and prevention measures.

Globally, breast cancer now represents one in four of all cancers in women, and Pink Caravan is building on its existing community outreach through a strong network of public and private sector entities to enable women and men in the UAE overcome the multiple barriers to access timely screening and diagnosis and to provide vital support to all individuals diagnosed with breast cancer.

Free breast cancer screening at 8 locations in Sharjah and Dubai

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer in the UAE, with a total of 1,030 new cases diagnosed in 2020.

Since early detection offers a better choice of treatment options and increases survival rates, eight mobile clinics of Pink Caravan will offer free diagnostic services such as clinical breast examinations and mammograms at select locations across Sharjah and Dubai.

In Sharjah, community members can access Pink Caravan’s free screening services at Sharjah Ladies Club (Oct 16, 1pm -7pm)and at the Zero 6 Mall (Oct 21, 4pm -10pm).

Residents and visitors in Dubai can avail of the medical screening facilities at RAW Coffee (Oct 5, 9am -3pm); Mirdif City Centre (Oct 14, 4pm -10pm). City Walk (Oct 15, 4pm -10pm); Dubai Ladies Club (Oct 20, 8am -5pm); La Mer (Oct 22, 4pm -10pm); and Dubai Frame (Oct 29, 4pm -10pm).

The staff and families of13 public and private sector organisations in the UAE can also avail the services of Pink Caravan’s mobile medical clinics during October.

12 informational breast health webinars and online lectures

Breast cancer awareness is critical for catching symptoms early and improving outcomes if diagnosed on time. 222 individuals succumbed to the disease in the UAE in 2020.

To therefore promote societal awareness of regular self-checks and mammogram screenings, Pink Caravan is hosting three educational awareness webinars,featuring specialists in the field for all community members.

Dr. Kamini Naik, Specialist Gynaecologist, Obstetrician and Lactation Specialist, will hold an awareness talk on ‘Breast Cancer’ in English on October 5 at 11am.On October 18 at 11am, Dr. Angham Aman, General Physician and Health Educator. will also deliver an awareness talk in Arabic on Breast Cancer.Dr. Jacqueline Maria Dias, Associate Professor, Chair of the department of nursing at college of health science, will lead the English session on October 25 at 11am, and offer insights into the importance of ‘Psychological support for women with breast cancer’.

Under the sponsorship of SHEIN, an online retailer of trendy clothing for women, the three webinars will be broadcast live on @focpuaeYouTube channel and Instagram @thepinkcaravan.

Pink Caravan will also host nine online lectures targeting a cross-spectrum of public and private corporate entities in Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Dubai to extend its messaging to a larger segment of the community. These lectures form part of FOCP’s ‘Corporate Wellness Day’ initiative.

Public and private sector corporates in the UAE are encouraged to book Wellness Day packages for the next month, as all available slots in October are fully booked.

‘Pink Steps’Challenge on Relay by FOCPapp 

Running through the month of October is the Pink Steps challenge, open to both individuals and corporate organisations in the UAE. To enter the challenge of taking 8,000 steps every day in support of cancer patients, participants must download the Relay by FOCP mobile app, register online and join the Relay For Life (RLF) community.

Top 20 winners will be awarded with 20,000 Loyalty Dots, equivalent to AED 200 while 30 lucky winners will earn 10,000 Loyalty Dots equivalent to AED 100. Prizes are sponsored by Virgin Megastore Circle.

Social media campaigns

Pink Caravan’s annual breast cancer awareness activities also include a series of social media campaigns that call on community members to take care of their health, emphasise the importance of self-check-up, and encourage individuals to pledge their support in the fight against cancer by downloading the pledge profile picture from its Instagram link in the bio. #🙋‍♀️ and spread awareness about breast cancer.

Supporting Pink Caravan’s digital media activities this year are Fitness First, Nine West, Reebok, Al Abbar Enterprises, BinSina, RAW Coffee,Active Mama Workout, Smat restaurant & café,Sola Restaurant &Café, ITP, My Home Closet and a host of other entities.

Interested individuals can also buy merchandise at FOCP’s online ‘Pink Store’ to support the cause of breast cancer patients. Proceeds of all sales will go towards providing medical treatment or improving the quality of life of people affected by cancer.

For more information about the activities please contact Info@pinkcaravan.ae or through social media channels @ThePinkCaaravan.