The University Hospital Sharjah, in collaboration with Pink Caravan, a breast cancer awareness initiative by Friends of Cancer Patients (FoCP), gave free breast cancer screening tests to 250 people at the hospital as part of the strategic partnership between the two organizations. In addition, 56 people were referred by Pink Caravan’s mobile clinics, from a total of 90cases during the annual PC Ride.Screeningswere administered to women and men of various nationalities and age groups, bothlocals and expatriates. The efforts resulted in 12 people being referred for further investigation, 4 of whom were diagnosed, while 238 people were cleared. 90 people were referred by Pink Caravan's mobile clinics, 56 of whomwere referred for further investigation, revealing one diagnosis. This brings the total number ofpeople who were diagnosed with breast cancer to 5, out of a total of 340 people screened. FoCP started processing patients' files in order to cover them with its healthcare and management services.
Dr. Sawsan Al Madhi, Director General of Friends of Cancer Patients Society and Head of the Medical and Awareness Committee of Pink Caravan, said: "The outcome of Pink Caravan’s efforts in collaboration with University Hospital Sharjah shows that Pink Caravan has succeeded in breaking the social stigma and overcoming misconceptions that pertain to this disease. Many people used to fear even talking about breast cancer, and they used to reject screening tests out of fear. The overwhelming response we have been receiving recently shows an important leap forward in Emirati society with regards to awareness of this disease and how to handle it." Al Madhi pointed out that the Pink Caravan, thanks to the great support and patronage extended by HH Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al-Qasimi,wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, Founder and Patron of the Friends of Cancer Patients Society, International Ambassador of the World Cancer Declaration for Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and International Ambassador for Childhood Cancer for UICC, will not spare any effort to combat and raise awareness about breast cancer. She also confirmed that the Pink Caravan's mobile clinics, which are touring the seven emirates, will carry on offering free screenings. She invited everyone to benefit from this initiative and to proceed to take the tests. Al Madhi also praised the partnership that joins the Friends of Cancer Patients Society with University Hospital Sharjah, thanking UHS's teams for their great support, responsiveness and the high quality care that they offer patients referred to them by Pink Caravan.
H.E. Abdulla Ali Al Mahyan, Chairman of Board of Trustees,University Hospital Sharjah said: "We are very pleased that the partnership between University Hospital Sharjah and Pink Caravan is making great strides to raise awareness about breast cancer in the UAE. Breast cancer is one of the world’s most prevalent cancers, but when detected early is eminently treatable. That is why we need to continue to dispel social stigmas and encourage as many people as possible from all over the emirate to take advantage of the free screenings we are offering.Michael Stroud, CEO of UHS said; “UHS is delighted to be collaborating with the Pink Caravan and FoCP to help improve the outcomes from the screening program and we hope that the collaboration will continue in 2016”In 2012, Pink Caravan signed an agreement with UHS to establish the first international center for the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer in Sharjah, in collaboration with Institute Gustave-Roussy, France, one of the most prominent specialized centers in Europe. Within the context of this partnership between the three parties, the fifth Pink Caravan Ride saw participation from medical teams from the European institute.
Over the past 5 years, Pink Caravan has successfully screened 34,400 locals and expatriates in the UAE, including 7,873 men. During this year’s Ride, Pink Caravan screened over 5000 people, both men and women, thanks to the efforts of over 150 medical professionals, of which 62% were Emiratis.