• 1,199 mammograms and 387 ultrasound screenings done
  • PCR’s mobile clinic conducts 194 mammograms and 7 ultrasound tests
  • PCR moves to Fujairah and Khorfakkan today (Sunday)

Sharjah: The 10th edition of the Pink Caravan Ride has already catered to 6,748 citizens and residents across the seven emirates of the UAE, including 5,330 women, delivering an impressive number of free medical consultations in the leadup to and during their nationwide breast cancer awareness drive. The campaign has wrapped up its fourth day of efforts to educate people about the important role regular check-ups play in determining early detection and is today (Sunday) in Fujairah and Khorfakkan

The total number of Emirati women tested so far is 376; among them 245 were less than 40 years of age and 131 above 40 years. The number of expatriate women who were tested at the PCR clinics was 4,954, of which 3,734 were less than 40 years and 1,220 above 40.

The fixed clinics set up across the seven emirates ahead of the ride, and which will be active until its conclusion on March 6, has tested 826 females prior to the ride, a total of 3,057 women during the ride, while 1,447 women have approached the daily clinics that were set up to mark PCR’s presence in the emirates of Sharjah and Dubai over the past four days. Of the 1,199 mammograms and 387 ultrasound test referrals made by the PCR’s medical team, the PC mobile medical clinic has delivered 194 mammograms and 7 ultrasound tests.

The number of men who turned up to be tested has been encouraging too. A total of 1,418 men underwent tests for breast cancer, of which 106 were Emiratis – 65 of whom were below the age of 40. The number of expatriate men remained high – 1,312, of whom 875 were below the age of 40 years. 218 men were screening prior to the ride.

The daily clinics drew the maximum number of men for testing – 1,040, while 160 approached the fixed clinics. A total of six ultrasound tests have been conducted for men till February 29.

The 10th edition of the ride, organised by the Pink Caravan, an initiative of UAE-based Friends of Cancer Patients, that started its 10-day journey in Sharjah on February 26 is aiming to deliver more than 10,000 free check-ups alongside promoting awareness about the fact that 98 per cent breast cancers are treatable if detected early, which is why regular screenings are so vital.

The Pink Caravan Ride delivered a second day of campaigning in Dubai yesterday, February 29. The equines mapped 21 kilometres starting at the Al Mamzar Beach, and passed through Al Mamzar Park to conclude the fourth day of campaigning in CITY WALK. Along the way, the campaign’s volunteers encouraged community members to receive their free check-ups at three daily clinics PCR had set up for both men and women across key locations in Dubai. The safe and security of the pink crusaders along its equine route was ensured by Dubai Police patrol cars and bikes.   

Wide acceptance

Dr. Sawsan Al Madhi, Director General of Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP) and Head of the Pink Caravan Ride’s Medical Team, said, "The public reaction to the ride so far demonstrates its level of acceptance in the UAE, given the large numbers that have come to get themselves tested. It is a matter of great pride for us and calls for praise for the medical teams that have taken great efforts in making PCR a success, as well as volunteers and riders for their role in promoting societal awareness about the importance of conducting self as well as periodic checks."

She added: "The slogan ‘Plenty is not enough’ is a message and an appeal to all members of society to go to the daily, mobile or fixed clinics provided by the Pink Caravan Ride, to get themselves examined and gain knowledge about breast cancer, and involve their families and friends in the effort to safeguard all members of the community."

Dr. Nada, Mohammed Younes, who has been with the Pink Caravan medical team since its fifth edition and currently is at Dubai Festival City Foxed Clinic, stressed that the ride had brought about a qualitative shift in people's awareness about the necessity and importance of getting regular check-ups to rule our breast cancer, in addition to promoting a culture self-examinations. “Like PCR’s slogan, which conveys the message that as long as breast cancer is prevalent the ride will continue on its journey, the medical volunteers and others involved too pledge to keep going the extra mile across the seven emirates to ensure that nobody suffers for want of medical attention,” she added.

Advantages of early testing

Echoing their opinions, Nicola Cadores, 24, one of the women who turned up to be tested in Dubai  said: “We came across the Pink Caravan Ride’s clinic near our house, and we found it very convenient as they give you a free check-up. It is important to check for breast cancer even at this young age as a lot of people have it nowadays. Prevention is always better than cure, and that’s what the Pink Caravan offers.”

She added: “I used to have a yearly check-up even earlier. It goes back to my college days when it was mandatory for all students to get checked at the college clinic. So, yes, I have had a scary experience when they discovered a lump in one of my breasts and had to have it surgically removed. Luckily, it turned out to be benign. So, now I don’t want to risk it and get myself tested regularly.”

Day 5 at Fujairah and Khorfakkan

PCR moves to the northern emirates today, Sunday, holding three clinics for women. Khorfakkan Hospital and Al Siji Primary Health Centre will host two clinics, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, while another one will be held from 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm at Century Mall, Fujairah.

Fujairah Hospital will host a clinic for both men and women from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Day 5, 6 & 7: Fujairah-Khorfakkan, Ras Al Khaimah & Um Al Quwain 

PCR moves to the northern emirates today, Sunday, holding three clinics for women. Khorfakkan Hospital and Al Siji Primary Health Centre will host two clinics, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, while another one will be held from 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm at Century Mall, Fujairah.

Fujairah Hospital will host a clinic for both men and women from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Meanwhile, PCR’s equestrian team will cover a distance of 24km in and around Fujairah and Khorfakkan, flagging off at 8:00 am from Fujairah Corniche and Khorfakkan Old Market, before winding up at Khorfakkan Hospital at 6:15 pm.

On Day 6, PCR will take its awareness efforts to the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, with its medical posts set up across shopping malls and hospitals, which will operate from 10am – 6pm. Clinics for women will be located in Saqr Hospital, RAK Mall, and Al Hamra Sailing Club. Clinics that will attend to both men and women in the emirate can be accessed at the Shaam Hospital. The PC mobile clinic will also be stationed at the university, 2–10 pm on Monday.  

PCR will continue its onward journey into Umm Al Quwain on the seventh day, Tuesday (March 3). Clinics for women will be set up in Falaj Al Mualla Health Center, Al Salama Health Center and Al Khazan Health Center, while the PC mobile clinic will be receiving both men and women at the Umm Al Quwain Hospital. A clinic at the UAQ Preventive Medicine Department will be attending exclusively to men. All these clinics will be operational between 10am – 6pm.

-Ends-

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