Zulekha Healthcare Group’s breast cancer campaign, ‘Pink It Now’, has witnessed record breaking numbers of women attending its hospitals for free screenings and consultations. The campaign, which is now in its sixth-year, has seen a 59% increase in women attending check-ups compared to 2015.

The screenings are open to all women including residents and visitors to the UAE during October to December and is in support of the UAE’s efforts to decrease cancer fatalities by 18% by 2021.

The group had the honour of being joined by His Excellency Humaid Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board and Director General of Dubai Health Authority (DHA); Dr. Marwan Mohd Al Mulla, Director Health Regulations, DHA; Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary of Health Centers and Clinics Sector, Ministry of Health & Prevention, Dr. Layla Al Marzouqi, Director - Dubai Medical Tourism Project, DHA, Shri Vipul, Consul General of India,  and many other esteemed guests for the 2017 ‘Pink It Now’ inauguration. The ‘Pink It Now’ campaign aims to raise awareness about breast cancer, the importance of early detection and the benefit of regular check-ups. Survivors shared their experiences just after the launch of an exclusive cancer support forum of Zulekha Hospital this year named “Pink Knights”. The forum will continue to connect survivors who have battled against cancer and emerged successful with a new ray of life.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 8.8 million people died from cancer globally, of which up to 30-50 per cent of cancers could be prevented and breast cancer is the top cancer in women across the world.

Dr Pamela Munster, renowned cancer expert from the University of California in San Francisco, United States and the campaign’s chief ambassador, commented: “It is these staggering figures that reveal the important role of early detection in order to save the lives of women all over the world. As healthcare professionals, it is our duty to better educate women in the UAE and empower them to take charge of their health. In doing so, the campaign helps to reduce breast cancer fatalities in the UAE.”

The 2017 ‘Pink It Now’ inauguration this year as well took place during the International Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) marked as October. Due to the ongoing campaign, Zulekha Healthcare Group has witnessed tangible and growing figures of female patients registering  for X-Ray mammograms and specialist check-ups. In 2014, 850 women attended followed by 1,826 in 2015 and then 2,902 during the 2016 campaign.

Zanubia Shams, Zulekha Hospital Co-chairperson and the campaign’s creator, added: “As we kick off our sixth campaign, we are very proud of the ‘Pink It Now’ campaign’s achievements to date. We continue to take an important and proactive role in helping the UAE’s community of women fight back against breast cancer. With greater awareness across the country, we are working towards a future of healthier, happier and stronger women.”

‘Pink It Now,’ supported by partners Friends of Cancer Patients, Pink Caravan, Ford Warriors in Pink – Ford MENA, MAI Dubai, Musafir.com, UBER, Bhima Jewellers, Souq.com, Star TV network, BIG FM radio, Air Arabia, Pallazo Versace and The Health Bank, is one of Zulekha Hospital’s core CSR initiatives, stressing the importance of strategies for cancer prevention, early detection and management of patients with the disease.

In addition to free X - Ray mammogram and consultations with oncologists and gynaecologists, the hospital offers 50% discounted rates on ultrasound tests. To register, call 600524442 or visit pinkitnow.zulekhahospitals.com and download the application.