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

The non-profit organization, Friends of Cancer Patients (FoCP) initiative will continue their mission to increase attention and support for the awareness, early detection and treatment as well as palliative care of this disease, 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 maximum number of staff and attendees on being able to detect physical changes in the body through self-examination, etc. Special guest speakers including Elaine Kelly, Dr Khuloud Bajbouj and experts from The Clean Living Company and LifeWorks Foundation will lead the speaking sessions.

Private clinical examinations will also be held for up to 50 persons 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 and 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 Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Pink Caravan will also facilitate any organisational fundraising initiatives and will oversee staff engagement initiatives that companies may want to take up to raise funds for breast cancer treatment. 

Nine West vouchers, a nail spa and special guest speakers will be part of the wellness day package. A variety of attractive merchandise like caps, anchor bracelets and others supporting the cause will also be made available for sale.   

Pink Caravan, the pan-UAE breast cancer awareness initiative by the Friends of Cancer Patients charity (FoCP), which was launched in 2011 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah and Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, Founder and Patron of the Friends of Cancer Patients Society (FoCP), International Ambassador of the World Cancer Declaration for Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and International Ambassador for Childhood Cancer for UICC.