Nadeem Hanif
DUBAI // The annual Pink Caravan tour is aiming to offer 5,000 breast-cancer screenings during its 11-day run.
Now in its fourth year, the campaign features a convoy that travels across the UAE raising awareness about the disease.
This year the caravan will be on the road from February 15 to 25.
“Over the past three years, the Pink Caravan Ride has achieved success with 22,877 patients – including 5,450 men – having been screened since the initiative was launched in 2011,” said Ameera Binkaram, president of the board of trustees and a founding member of the Friends of Cancer Patients society.
“Pink Caravan continues its mission to contain breast cancer, which statistics reveal has been the second most significant factor for high mortality in women in the UAE.”
The campaign was originally only meant to run for a few years but its success and popularity means it will continue on an annual basis until 2016.
“The ride also aims to raise funds to purchase and operate a 3-D Mobile Mammography unit to provide free screenings to everyone,” Ms Binkaram said.
Checks during previous tours found 17 people with cancer, including an Emirati man. They are all receiving support and treatment.
The 333-kilometre ride will begin in Sharjah before making its way to Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain and Ajman.
The caravan will then return to Sharjah with the riders proceeding to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
This year's caravan hopes to shatter some of the misconceptions associated with breast cancer and highlight the importance of regular screenings for early detection.
“Dispelling myths” is also the theme for the Union for International Cancer Control’s World Cancer Day on February 4.
nhanif@thenational.ae
