With 16,511 breast cancer screenings conducted nationwide, surpassing previous years’ participation and reach, the Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP) concluded ‘Pink Caravan’ on a high note, setting new benchmarks for impact and outreach. Operating through eight fixed clinics and over 111 mobile units, the campaign delivered free screenings, mammograms, and ultrasounds to individuals of all ages and nationalities, driving home the importance of early detection and regular screenings to combat breast cancer.

Beyond free screenings, the campaign offered diverse activities, from workshops to educational and entertainment events, designed to engage individuals and families alike and provide essential medical and psychological support to patients and their families.

Extensive support

Extensive participation from medical centres across the UAE defined this year’s campaign, with fixed and mobile clinics witnessing a strong public response to early breast cancer screenings. Key fixed locations included Crescent Petroleum in Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Abu Dhabi, Al Marwan Group in Sharjah, and AstraZeneca in Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Dubai’s City Walk also served as a central hub for screenings.

Medical sponsors were pivotal in driving public engagement by offering incentives and support. Sharjah University Hospital, Advanced Care Medical Centre, Saqr Hospital, under Emirates Medical Services, Healthpoint Hospital, Emirates Hospitals, and Clemenceau Medical Centre, offered medical staff, including doctors and nurses, and more than 1,350 vouchers for mammograms and ultrasound vouchers screenings.

The campaign’s success was bolstered by key partners who facilitated events and screenings and made crucial donations to advance its mission. Thrifty Car Rental supported nationwide mobility efforts by providing two Toyota FJ Cruisers. Leading sponsors included Victoria’s Secret, Pink Pony Ralph Lauren, Bijoux Koo Jewellery, Paul from the Azadea Group, Battle Cancer, Nine West, and The Basement Café, all of whom played a vital role in amplifying the campaign’s reach and impact.

FOCP also organised a community awareness activity in Aljada. The three-day event, sponsored by Crescent Petroleum, Sharjah Media City (Shams), Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, Arada, Sharjah National Oil Corporation (SNOC), FAST Building Contracting Co. (L.L.C), and MSD,  raised community awareness about breast cancer and encouraged women, girls, and men to undergo early detection screenings. Additionally, it sought to promote social cohesion among various groups and nationalities.

Commenting on the campaign’s achievement, Aisha Al Mulla, Director of FOCP, emphasised that the record number of screenings during Pink Caravan is a testament to the community’s increasing awareness of the life-saving power of early breast cancer detection. She commended the unwavering support from medical institutions nationwide and expressed deep gratitude to everyone who contributed to the campaign’s success. Underscoring that the fight against breast cancer is far from over, she vows to intensify efforts each year, both in reach and impact.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer continues to be a global challenge and a significant burden on societies and healthcare systems worldwide. In 2022 alone, around 2.3 million women were diagnosed with the disease. Yet, clinical studies and real-world experiences underscore that early detection remains crucial to improving survival rates. Communities that actively promote awareness and prioritise early screening consistently demonstrate markedly higher recovery rates, reinforcing the life-saving impact of proactive health measures.