11 Breast Cancer Cases Brought to Light by Pink Caravan Ride 2019

• Women between the ages of 32-52 years detected with Stage 2 – 4 cancer
• Pan-UAE awareness campaign stresses the importance of regular self-examination for early detection

Eleven positive cases of breast cancer have been diagnosed by the ninth annual Pink Caravan Ride (PCR) this year. The countrywide breast cancer awareness and early detection campaign – and initiative of Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP), UAE, offered free screenings and clinical examinations to 7,200 citizens and residents this year.

Among those tested, 11 women in the 32-52 years age group tested positive, and have been referred for further examinations by PCR’s team of medical specialists.

Six of the ten women were examined in Sharjah, three in Ras Al Khaimah, one in Umm Al Quwain and one of them in Ajman. The initiative therefore demonstrates the effectiveness of the 9^th edition of the campaign, that travelled across the seven emirates from 23 February to 1 March, providing breast cancer examinations for both men and women.

The diagnosed women are above 40 years of age, with detected cases having stage two and stage four cancers. Thus, the initiative further highlights the need for regular check-ups and increasing awareness.

The results also showed a wide range of nationalities, with 3 patients from Palestine, two from the Philippines, 5 patients from Sudan, Egypt, Morocco, Pakistan, Syria and Lebanon. These patients are now receiving free treatment at the best medical entities in the UAE. 74 patients have been the beneficiary of this initiative since 2011, with 14 women who started receiving treatment in 2018, after the diagnosis.  

The announcement was made at an evaluation meeting held by PCR’s Higher Steering Committee, during which they also reviewed the most significant outcomes and achievements of the ninth ride. The meeting was held in the presence of HE Reem BinKaram, Chairperson of PCR Higher Steering Committee; Badr Al Juaidi, PCR Manager; Nada BinGhalib, Head of Equine Committee; Yousef Al Taweel, Head of Media Committee; Abdullatif Al Sayegh, Head of Logistics Committee; and other PCR committee members.

 BinKaram remarked: “The strategic goal of Pink Caravan Ride is to spread breast cancer awareness, teaching community the importance of regular examinations. This year, we have successfully identified 11 new cases – at different stages of malignancy – after offering free examinations to 7,200 women and men in all seven emirates.

She further said, “As majority of detected cases are in the above 40 age group, we reiterate the importance of regular self-examination for early detection, especially once a woman turns 40. If the cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, the survival rate is as high as 98 percent. Therefore, it’s imperative that women take their health seriously.”

The Pink Caravan advises people, especially women, to adopt the following breast cancer screening plan: monthly self-examination; clinical examination once every 1-3 years (for those aged between 20-39 years) and once a year (for those aged over 40); and mammogram once every two years (for those aged between 40-49 years) and once a year (for those age 50 and above).

The Pink Caravan Ride is organised by the UAE-based civil society organisation, Friends Of Cancer Patients (FOCP), under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah; and his wife Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Founder and Royal Patron of the ‘Friends of Cancer Patients’ (FOCP), International Ambassador of the World Cancer Declaration for Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and International Ambassador for Childhood Cancer for UICC.