Friends of Cancer Patients society (FoCP) 5214 people have been screened for early breast cancer detection during the first 11 days of Pink Caravan's screenings and awareness campaign. The campaign, which is into its fourth year this time, received excellent response from all sections of the UAE community, according to a report released by the Pink Caravan, the breast cancer awareness initiative of the Friends of Cancer Patients society (FoCP).
Screenings were conducted at 29 clinics across the length and breadth of the Emirates.
The report reveals that a total of 4226 women and 988 men benefited from the free screenings on offer, whereas 5221 people attended awareness lectures during the course of the campaign.
Dr Sawsan Al Madhi, secretary-general for Friends of Cancer Patients society (FoCP) and Head of the Pink Caravan's Medical and awareness committee, said, "I am pleased to say that the Pink Caravan's latest campaign whose aim is to motivate every section of the UAE community to opt for both early and regular screenings, has been successful.”
Commenting on the statistics, she added, "Pink Caravan's awareness drive has been effective and people now realise the necessity of early breast cancer detection. During the four years of the Pink Caravan, we focused on dispelling myths surrounding breast cancer and of the large number of people who come forth for screenings is a testament.”
"Also, men continue to respond to the campaign, an indication that Pink Caravan is making community-wide impact in removing some of the stigma that has traditionally surrounded the disease,” Al Madhi added.
The report further revealed that whereas 2399 Emiratis availed the tests during the course of the 11 days, the corresponding number of residents was 2815, reflecting the trend of a balanced demographic between Emiratis and residents.
Of the individuals who availed the preliminary check-ups this time, 1386 were referred for mammography tests and a further 267 were referred for ultrasound imaging, of whom 262 were women and 5 were men. Responding well to the call for early screenings, the campaign witnessed that out of the 5214 people who had been screened, 2933 were below 40 years of age, as against 2281who were either 40 years of age or above.
Commenting on the encouraging response by younger people to the campaign, Al Madhi said, "This is indeed a healthy development that people are heeding our calls for early screenings. Both early and regular screenings along with effective treatment significantly increases survival rates. Pink Caravan, which has been lobbying for the creation of the UAE's national cancer registry, is raising funds to purchase and operate a state-of-the-art mobile mammography unit to provide free screenings to both women and men from across UAE.
Source: The Gulf Today