The Pink Caravan (PC) initiative by the UAE-based Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP) is one of the effective breast cancer awareness and community outreach initiatives the region has seen. With 56,000 free physical examinations and screenings offered nationwide, the Pink Caravan Ride (PCR) has created a more cancer-aware community since its inception eight years ago. 

The project exemplifies the UAE’s spirit of shared responsibility in creating an aware, taboo-free and healthy community, and has been a strong ray of hope several breast cancer patients who have received the required treatment and financial and emotional support that has helped them defeat the disease.

The Pink Caravan’s continuous success lies in in-depth discussions with doctors and oncologists about exact causes and risk factors, as well as best practices for prevention, treatment and control. Regular self-examination is at the heart of the process, as it is the first step to early detection. The benefits of early detection of breast cancer cannot be overstated. The rates of complete cure if breast cancer is detected at an early stage is 98 percent. 

PC has also conducted a series of studies and field research targeting the Emirati community to measure community acceptance, which revealed that breast cancer posed a threat to both women and, to a lesser extent, to men.

Since this disease affects the breast, a sensitive part of the human body, PC’s studies found that there was hesitance and fear associated with it. It became clear to them that their foremost mission was to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding breast cancer, and break down barriers of fear.

HE Reem BinKaram, Chairperson of PCR’s Higher Steering Committee, said: “Our wise leadership is dedicated to protecting the health of all citizens and expatriates. The real challenge for us was, and to some extent still is, changing community’s perception towards breast cancer, break down the barriers of shame and fear to deal with the disease, as well as encourage community members to consult a doctor immediately once they notice any physical changes in the area.”

“The whole idea behind Pink Caravan Ride is to raise community awareness and encourage both women and men undergo the free medical check-ups we offer annually across the seven emirates. Under the patronage of HH Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and the directions of His Wife, HH Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Founder and Royal Patron FOCP, the Pink Caravan Ride takes the message of hope and awareness to all seven emirates.

“After putting in eight years of concerted efforts to achieve significant milestones, the riders of pink hope have succeeded to instill in the hearts of UAE society members a love for humanitarian and volunteering work. Since its launch in 2011, the initiative has always followed Late Sheikh Zayed Sultan bin Al Nahyan’s approach to supporting human beings and encourage their role as drivers of development,” BinKaram observed.   

New features of PCR 2019 
For the first time in its history, the Pink Caravan Ride will provide genetic testing to make treatment more effective for positive cases of malignancy. Earlier this month when the details of the ride were announced at a press conference, Dr. Sawsan Al Madhi emphasised upon the importance of this new feature, saying it will go a long way in making breast cancer treatment in the UAE more effective. 
Another new feature of PCR 2019 is a mini mobile clinic on the ride’s equine route, which will travel the seven emirates with the campaign’s equestrian volunteers, offering additional awareness lectures by medical experts, self-examination workshops, as well as preliminary manual checkups to support the services that will be offered by medical teams dedicated to each emirate, and maximise the campaign’s community outreach efforts. 

In the run-up to its ninth edition, the Pink Caravan has launched the #PinkCaravanPledge campaign titled ‘I Pledge’ to encourage community members partake in the campaign and spread awareness. The ‘I Pledge’ campaign can be joined by visiting https://www.pinkcaravan.ae/pledge/.