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Men among 340 residents screened for breast cancer

Sharjah - Cancer charity says free cancer detection drive open for all.

Hundreds of men and women cutting across different nationalities and age groups have undergone free breast cancer screening tests recently.
The University Hospital Sharjah, in collaboration with Pink Caravan (PC), a breast cancer awareness initiative by Friends of Cancer Patients (FoCP), administered the free screening for 340 residents.
The campaign resulted in 12 people being referred for further investigation, 4 of whom were diagnosed, while 238 people were cleared of cancer.
In addition, 56 people were referred by PC mobile clinics, from a total of 90 cases during the annual PC ride, and one diagnosis.
This brings the number of people who were diagnosed with breast cancer to 5, out of a total of 340 people screened.
Meanwhile, FoCP started processing patients' files in order to cover them with its healthcare and management services.
Dr Sawsan Al Madhi, director-general of FoCP and head of the Medical and Awareness Committee of Pink Caravan, said: "The outcome shows that Pink Caravan has succeeded in breaking the social stigma and overcoming misconceptions that pertain to this disease. Many people used to fear even talking about breast cancer, and they used to reject screening tests out of fear. "
Al Madhi hailed the support and patronage extended by Shaikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of Supreme Council and the Ruler of Sharjah; who is also the Founder and Patron of FoCP, International Ambassador of the World Cancer Declaration for Union for International Cancer Control and International Ambassador for Childhood Cancer for UICC.
She also confirmed that the PC mobile clinics, which are touring the seven emirates, will carry on offering free screenings. She invited everyone to benefit from this initiative and to proceed to take the tests.
Abdulla Ali Al Mahyan, Chairman of Board of Trustees, University Hospital Sharjah said: "Breast cancer is one of the world's most prevalent cancers, but when detected early is eminently treatable. That is why we need to continue to dispel social stigmas and encourage as many people as possible from all over the emirate to take advantage of the free screenings we are offering.
Over the past 5 years, Pink Caravan has successfully screened 34,400 locals and expatriates in the UAE, including 7,873 men.
During this year's Ride, Pink Caravan screened over 5,000 people, both men and women, thanks to the efforts of over 150 medical professionals, of which 62 per cent were Emiratis.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com