SHARJAH // Ten horse riders, including doctors and volunteers, saddled up on Tuesday to begin a 10-day trek across the country in the name of breast cancer awareness.
More than 100 horse riders will take part in the 7th annual Pink Caravan, which started out from Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club and made its way to Masafi Hospital in Fujairah on the first day.
A team of medical professionals will use the annual event to highlight the importance of early detection of breast cancer and offer free screenings to people aboard mobile clinics, in addition to fixed clinics in each emirate, operating from 4pm to 10pm.
The final leg of the caravan will take place in Abu Dhabi – from Yas Island to the Zayed Sports City – on March 17.
Dr Sawsan Al Madhi, director of Friends of Cancer Patients and head of Pink Caravan’s Medical Awareness Committee, said: “It’s imperative that we reach out to as many people as possible. We need to spread the word about cancer, the importance of undergoing screening. Early detections means there is a good chance of getting cured.”
Last year, the Pink Caravan screened 5,020 people, including 650 men.
“We are seeing more Emiratis coming forward and undergoing screenings. The times have changed. It was very hard to have our message reach Emirati society but now a lot of people know,” said Dr Al Madhi.
During the launch, Sheikh Sultan Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, urged action.
“I call out to all women sitting at home to come forward and take a screening test during the Pink Caravan campaign,” he said.
Briton Sarah Sand was one of the riders to take part in the first leg.
“We know these rides spread the message - we have a lot of people come to us and ask about what we are doing and they are encouraged to go for a check in the free clinic,” said the 39-year-old who is riding for the third time.
Her mother died at the age of 47 after a 7 -year battle with cancer.
On Wednesday, the caravan will ride from Fujairah to the Oceanic Hotel in Khor Fakkan. Thursday will be spent in Dibba Beach Park.
During the 10-day campaign, fixed clinics are stationed at Abu Dhabi Corniche, Al Majaz Waterfront in Sharjah, Dubai City Walk, Ajman Corniche, Al Hamra Mall in RAK, Al Khazan Healthcare Clinic in UAQ and at Al Faseel health promotion centre in Fujairah.
In the past six years, the caravan has travelled more than 1,440 kilometres across the Emirates, offering breast cancer screenings worth Dh24 million to more than 41,000 people.
tzriqat@thenational.ae
