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Dubai going pink from October 4

A month-long event — Dubai Goes Pink — is being organised by Breast Cancer Arabia starting October 4.

This city-wide event is aimed at unifying the efforts of fundraisers, events, activities and companies in the region wishing to support breast cancer patients and true medically produced and backed breast cancer awareness.

Through the event, Breast Cancer Arabia hopes to redress some of the current problems with delivering ‘awareness’ in the region as well as raising money to directly help the women and their families affected by breast cancer.

“Breast cancer treatment is very costly and not everyone has the means to afford it,” says Elizabeth Reyes, president, Breast Cancer Arabia.

“Some women have medical insurance, but are not covered under their particular policies, whilst other women have limited or very basic cover through their employment or have no medical insurance whatsoever. Together with our hospital partners, the Breast Cancer Arabia Foundation can help these women afford their breast cancer treatment, giving them the best chance of surviving their breast cancer.”

There are many different ways to take part in Dubai Goes Pink. More information on how to take part and what type of events to arrange can be found on www.dubaigoespink.com.

“Not only have we had pledges from numerous individuals and families, but Burj Al Arab Hotel will illuminate their famous sail with a pink ribbon as part of the ‘pink’ initiative,” says Reyes.

Breast Cancer Arabia is a free interactive internet portal that gives women high-quality information about breast cancer and its treatment, a specialised place to get the right treatment and a support system. All patient educational and medical information on the website has been provided by Dr Richard Reyes, who is a consultant breast surgeon from the UK.

20% increase in cases

The number of breast cancer cases have increased by 20 per cent in Dubai Health Authority (DHA) hospitals, according to an official.

During a campaign to promote screening for breast cancer, the DHA is organising free checkups across all government departments for the entire month of October. Dr Moza Al Hattawi, Chairperson of the DHA Breast Cancer Campaign, said, “Through this campaign, we aim to educate people about the importance of regular screenings and raise awareness about this disease. It is a known fact that early detection can save lives and help reduce the number of women who succumb to this disease. However, one of the main challenges facing healthcare professionals is the significant number of women who are not aware of this.”

She said that almost 30 per cent of women who are detected with breast cancer visit the DHA hospitals in the third stage. The number of breast cancer cases in DHA hospitals has increased by 20 per cent since 2009. Of all breast operations conducted in 2009, 25 per cent were due to breast cancer, she said.

A few patients in their 20s have also been diagnosed with breast cancer. “We, therefore, recommend that women with a family history of breast cancer should conduct breast examinations from the age of 20, once every year.” A mobile mammogram machine will be taken to locations to conduct on-the-spot screenings for women. Philips will provide the state-of-the-art mobile mammography unit.

asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com