Pink Caravan screenings catch 12 malignancy cases

The high number is partly owed to high visitor turnout this year.

Pink Caravan was held in March this year and screened 7,500 residents and citizens for breast cancer. Courtesy Pink Caravan

Almost 7,500 residents and citizens across the country were screened for breast cancer during the Pink Caravan campaign this year.
The ten-day breast cancer awareness campaign – organized by the Friends of Cancer Patients (FoCP) – was held in March.
Twelve cases of malignancy were reported during screenings this year, the highest number recorded by Pink Caravan since it launched in 2011. 
The figure is partly owed to high visitor turnout which in turn can be attributed to the campaign's growing outreach over the past seven years.
"This year, the Ride was made possible by 92 equines who covered more than 200 kilometres across the seven emirates, by around 150 volunteers who worked selflessly for the campaign's success, 123 volunteering clinics that offered free examinations and mammograms and many others who have supported us dedicatedly," said Reem BinKaram, Head of Pink Caravan Steering Committee. 
"Through its four-pronged strategy or the four routes Equine, Medical, Events and Fundraising, the Pink Caravan Ride has spread hope and cancer awareness in the country for seven years," she said.
"Our hard work is truly rewarded when we see husbands bring their wives in for check-ups and vice versa, when young college students ask how they can volunteer, when the society's elite make big donations that are used for research and improving healthcare."
Ms BinKaram said the fight against cancer of any kind is stronger when entire communities are involved.
This year, Pink Caravan set up fixed clinics as well as the mobile clinic and providing check-ups at partnering hospitals across the country.
By setting up the clinics in popular public destinations such as City Walk in Dubai, Abu Dhabi Corniche and Al Majaz Waterfront in Sharjah, and by operating long hours an extra 2,969 free screenings were added to this year's final tally.
The figures, results and achievements of seventh campaign were shared at PCR's Higher Organising Committee annual evaluation meeting where members also discussed the Pink Caravan Ride 2018 plan that will be held in the first quarter of next year.
Recommendations from this year's participants were analysed and new activity ideas to expand the campaign's reach and increase community engagement were discussed.
The Pink Caravan campaign is supported by Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Founder and Royal Patron of the FoCP, and wife of Sheikh Sultan bn Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah.