Volunteers during the announcement of the 8th edition of The Pink Caravan Ride at Al Majaz Waterfront in Sharjah on Monday.
Sharjah - Sharjah's annual breast cancer awareness initiative will begin on February 28
Published: Mon 19 Feb 2018, 6:53 PM
Updated: Mon 19 Feb 2018, 10:11 PM
A mammography unit will accompany the Pink Caravan Ride (PCR), the annual breast cancer awareness initiative, which will begin in Sharjah on February 28.
The mobile mammography unit will offer free, specialised imaging services for breast and cervical cancer through the seven-day ride, which will conclude on March 6 in Abu Dhabi.
Addressing a Press conference held in Sharjah on Monday, Reem BinKaram, head of the Pink Caravan's higher organising committee, said: "We are honoured today to announce the completion of the Pink Caravan's permanent mobile mammography clinic, which will offer breast cancer detection screenings across the country throughout the year.
Cancer Survivor shares her experience
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Nadia Metwally, a 64-year-old from Egypt, a cancer survivor, said that she did not feel frightened when she realised that she had breast cancer.
She said that she lost her husband because of the disease, but she was determined to win it and discover the value of health and life.
"When I discovered the breast cancer, I immediately went for an examination at the Friends of Cancer Patients in Sharjah, which not only conducted the tests and the discovery of the case, but providing treatments to all stages until I completed chemotherapy.
"I went through moments of weakness, but I did not allow these feelings to overcome me. But I was worried about my three children who received the news with much fear and anxiety, especially that the disease deprived them of their father.
Metwally, who recovered from the disease, has dedicated her life to informing cancer patients of her experience to spread positivity and help them beat the disease.
Since its inception in 2011, the Pink Caravan has been actively engaged in highlighting the importance of early detection of breast cancer, and the repercussions of the disease the UAE society and economy have been facing.
The Sharjah-based non-profit has played a key role in dispelling misconceptions related to breast cancer, and offered support to patients and their families in need.
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"The clinic will begin providing its services on February 28, with the launching of the eighth Pink Caravan Ride this year."
The permanent mobile clinic, valued at Dh15million, marks a new milestone in Pink Caravan's relentless efforts to raise awareness on cancer, according to BinKaram.
She said: "As FoCP nears its 20th anniversary, we proudly recall its unprecedented efforts in offering support and treatment to more than 4,200 cancer patients and their families, standing by their side and lighting their path with hope towards recovery."
She referred to the 'Kashf' initiative, which was launched by FoCP in 2010 with the aim of providing early cancer diagnosis services and spreading awareness about methods of examination and prevention from early detectable cancers.
The 'Kashf' programme has six awareness initiatives about different types of cancer, including the PCR under its umbrella.
"We also announce a new work mechanism this year, where the Pink Caravan will travel across the seven emirates in seven days, instead of 11 days, while medical services will be provided for 12 days in its locations," she added.
During the press conference Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, executive chairman of Sharjah Department of Government Relations, pledged his participation at the upcoming ride where he will be volunteering as a rider. Speaking to Khaleej Times, Shaikh Fahim said: "It's my pleasure to accompany the ride during its seven days in various emirates to support the cause. It was my first time to participate in the Pink Caravan Ride and looking forward to be contribute more effectively to support community initiatives in Sharjah and our country as whole."
How the mobile unit functions
Dr Sawsan Al Madhi, director general of Friends of Cancer Patients and head of medical and awareness committee of Pink Caravan, gave a detailed presentation about the permanent mobile mammography unit, illustrating the steps and stages of examinations. "The clinic offers a comprehensive package of medical services for women, including clinical breast cancer examination and cervical screening test (Pap Smear), which is the first test to be added to a mobile medical unit globally."
She added: "The mobile mammography clinic provides 3D mammographic screening, a revolutionary new screening and diagnostic breast imaging tool designed for early detection of breast cancer. This test will be offered to women over 40 years, and to those whose clinical examination results show some suspicion. The clinic will also provide a range of other medical tests including checking blood sugar levels, blood pressure, osteoporosis and height and weight measurement.
Al Madhi noted that a detailed report will be issued on each case one week after conducting tests. The clinic is equipped with an advanced television imaging device used to screen women who are under the age of 40 years.
"The Pink Caravan's permanent mobile clinic signals a fruition of seven years of breast cancer awareness efforts," she said.
Regarding the medical clinics, she said that the clinics will receive visitors throughout the seven days from 10am to 6pm at locations selected to be part of the campaign's medical route in each emirate.
Badr Al Juaidi, director of Pink Caravan Ride, said a series of associated events will be organised in the emirates in addition to the mainstream activities of the Pink Caravan Ride 2018. In addition to the opening and closing ceremonies in Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, respectively, the activities Pink Bite, Pink Strides and Pink Regatta will be organised. The third day of the campaign will feature a Junior Ride on Al Qudra Lakes.
At the Press conference, BinKaram recounted that through its 1,640-kilometre journey across the seven emirates in the past seven years, the Pink Caravan Ride has offered medical check-ups worth Dh24 million to 48,874 persons, including 32,093 expatriate residents and 16,781 citizens through 578 fixed and mobile clinics.
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com
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