(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) The eighth edition of the Pink Caravan Ride set off on Wednesday, on a weeklong tour of the seven emirates, to spread breast cancer awareness and highlight the importance of early detection through free medical screenings and consultations to members of the community.
The event was attended by Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah; Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah; and Ghida Talal, Jordanian princess and chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Amman-based King Hussein Cancer Foundation (KHCF). They witnessed the launch of Pink Caravan's first permanent mobile mammography clinic, which will tour the seven emirates during the campaign, offering free breast and cervical cancer tests.
The Dh15 million unit is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostics equipment and latest technologies and was brought to fruition through the generous patronage offered by the Sharjah Media Corporation (SMC).
Pink Caravan is organised under the patronage of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, Founder and Royal Patron of the Friends of Cancer Patients (FoCP).
After having toured Sharjah on Wednesday, the Pink Caravan Ride will be in Fujairah today and continue its journey into Dubai on March 2 (Friday), and campaign across Ras Al Khaimah on March 3. The fifth day of the ride will cover Umm Al Quwain and day 6 will be in Ajman. Staying true to tradition, the final day (March 6) of the awareness ride will be spent in the Capital, where the eighth edition's closing ceremony will also be held.
| Two suspected cases detected on the firstday Two suspected cases of breast cancer have been detected among 100 women, who were examined from 10 to 1 pm at the Pink Caravan mobile clinic at Al Kuwaiti hospital, according to Dr Sana Mahmoud Al Basheer, an examiner who conducts the screenings for women. She confirmed that the two cases have been detected in women - an Asian and an Arab - over 45 years of age. The two women are also at high risk because they have a family history of the disease, had children at a late age, didn't breastfeed their children, use birth control pills and other lifestyle factors. "I have repeated the screening several times to confirm the presence of a small lump. Most of the time, the existence of lumps that feel harder or different from the rest of the breast is considered a sign of cancer," Dr Sana said. The two women have been referred for mammography and further examination. The doctor warned that not all breast cancer cases can be found throughmammography,because the warning signs are not the same for all women. The most common signs are a change in the look or feel of the breast andnipple,and discharge from the nipple. Dr Sana is a family medicine specialist for the Ministry ofInterior,but participates in Pink Caravan to conduct screenings for women. "I decide to take part in the initiative the address the causes of the disease among women and to encourage women with high risk to get annual and monthly screenings for early detection," Dr Sana noted. She was very happy about the turnout, which exceeded my expectation. "From 10 am to 1 pm, I examined 100 women and expectedthe thenumber ofteach800 by 6 pm. This shows that the awareness efforts being made by Pink Caravanisachieving its goals." *************************************** |
This year, the largest number of equestrians have volunteered in the Pink Caravan Ride's seven-year history - 230 horse riders, including 150 locals, 65 from across the GCC and greater Arab region and 15 from Europe. More than 100 volunteers and over 200 medical practitioners have also signed up, and 30 fixed clinics have been set up across the seven emirates to offer free breast screenings and medical consultations.
In her opening ceremony keynote, Reem BinKaram outlined the milestones achieved by the Pink Caravan since 2010.
"The 'community-to- community' initiative was mainly launched to correct misconceptions and dispel myths related to breast cancer, enhance awareness on the importance of early detection and educate the public and equip them with knowledge of breast cancer, prevention methods and the importance of regular checkups," said BinKaram.
BinKaram added: "When we started, our dreams were big and our steps were modest, but with sincere faith and resolve, we have succeeded in taking our mission further. Previously, men had rejected the idea of getting examined for breast cancer, mistakenly assuming that they can never be at risk."
She continued: "The campaign's first year faced several difficulties due to community misconceptions. We strived to change these by increasing awareness and hope with each passing year, and we have seen the reward in the number of people that have come forward firmly supporting our mission.
"Inspired by the strong belief cultivated in us by the support of Dr Sheikh Sultan, we now see our dreams realising faster than before, and dozens of equestrians holding our banners of 'pink hope' spreading the Pink Caravan's message of early detection. Breast cancer, if detected early, has a 98 per cent chance of complete cure."
DAY 1
The ride offered free medical examinations on its first day at four main locations in Sharjah, including Kuwaiti Hospital, which is the only facility to offer medical screenings for both women and men; Al Dhaid Hospital; Directorate of Punitive and Correctional institutions; and Al Qarain Health Centre.
Regular Rider
Nada bin Ghalib, a volunteer from Sharjah, said she has been a Pink Caravan rider for many years, in order to do her bit for breast cancer awareness. "I'm so excited to be a part of the horseriding volunteers, to spread awareness among women. It makes me feel useful and glad to be contributing to my community," Nada said.
Men turn out in large numbers for screening Dr Samer Mahyou Al Din, a volunteer for Pink Caravan, said that despite the large number of people who still believe that breast cancer only affects women, this year's turnout of men for early detection screening was surprising and encouraging. "We examined 70 men between 10 am to 1 pm. But no cases or suspected cases have been detected yet," Dr Al Din said.
"While men in our culture have begun to understand that breast cancer is not just a woman's disease, many people still do not realise that men have breast tissue, and hence, can develop breast cancer."
The doctor said that men coming for the screenings are asked to fill out the forms on medical and family history, lifestyle habits etc, to give some clues about the cause of symptoms, if any, and to understand if he might be at an increased risk. Then, he is educated on the symptoms and on conducting self-screenings. The symptoms are the same as for women: lumps or swellings, which are usually painless, skin dimpling or puckering, redness or scaling of the nipple or breast skin and discharge from the nipple. "Early detection of cancer help treatment options. Some early cancers may have signs and symptoms that can be noticed, but that is not always the case," the doctor added.
Mina Raziqu, one of the beneficiaries of the male breast cancer screenings, said he was shocked to learn that men can also get breast cancer. He heard about the Pink Caravan campaign in the news and decided to get a screening as a preventive measure. "I have a family history of cancer, but not breast cancer, so I'm just trying to be on the safe side. This is a great chance for men to get themselves checked and learn more about this issue," he said.
Jordan princess oversees pan-Arab efforts Speaking to Khaleej Times, Princess Ghida Talal of Jordan, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the King Hussein Cancer Foundation (KHCF), said that she is very happy to be in Sharjah and attend the launch of this year's Pink Caravan campaign, which plays a great role in spreading awareness among the women in the country.
She hailed the efforts and initiatives of Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, Founder and Royal Patron of the Friends of Cancer Patients (FoCP), in supporting all the causes related to women in the Arab region and around the world. "We have very close relations with Sheikha Jawaher and cooperate in spreading awareness on cancers of all types among women," she said.
KHCF is coordinating with the UAE and other 10 Arab countries to spread awareness among women in every little corner of the Arab world, as part of the Arab Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign.
"Women in the Arab region need to understand that early detection can help ensure faster and cheaper treatment," she noted.
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