Pink Caravan calls on public and private sector entities to participate

After providing almost 7,500 people across the UAE with free breast cancer screenings during their 10-day breast cancer awareness campaign in March this year, the Pink Caravan recently announced their next initiative to mark international Breast Cancer Awareness Month that will be observed throughout October.

The non-profit organisation, Friends of Cancer Patients, FoCP, will continue their mission to increase attention and support for awareness, early detection and treatment as well as palliative care, through the ‘Pink Caravan Corporate Wellness Day.

Both government and private sector organisations are eligible to book a Breast Health Wellness Day for their employees. Awareness sessions will be undertaken by Pink Caravan medical experts. These will include informative lectures that will aim to educate a maximum number of staff members and attendees on being able to detect physical changes in the body through self-examination, and other means. Special guest speakers including Elaine Kelly, Dr. Khuloud Bajbouj and experts from The Clean Living Company and LifeWorks Foundation will lead the talks.

Private clinical examinations will also be held for up to 50 people a day by a specialised team of doctors and nurses who will bring all the necessary equipment and medical consumables required to conduct these tests.

"Breast cancer is by far the most common cancer in women worldwide, both in developed and developing countries. The Pink Caravan has been championing the cause of breast cancer awareness in the UAE since 2011 and has been successful in providing vital information, timely diagnosis and the resources for treatment and care to many women since. When it comes to breast cancer, information is power, and awareness may well become one’s new lease on life," said Dr. Sawsan Al Madhi, Director-General of FoCP and Head of the Pink Caravan Medical and Awareness Committee.

"Through this month-long wellness campaign, our main aim is to sensitise more and more people in the UAE about the importance of awareness. Currently, there is not sufficient knowledge on the causes of breast cancer, therefore, early detection of the disease remains the cornerstone of breast cancer control. If adequate diagnosis and treatment are made available in time, there is a good chance that breast cancer can be cured," she added.

Throughout the Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Pink Caravan will facilitate any organisational fund-raising initiatives and will oversee staff engagement initiatives that companies may want to take up to raise funds for breast cancer treatment.