Pink Caravan's clinics activities in Dubai and Umm Al Qaiwain received a great public response

Sharjah, April 8, 2012 (WAM) - The Pink Caravan's mobile clinics received a huge public response from citizens and residents, alike, on the 6th day of the campaign activities. The medical teams managed to examine over 600 applicants in Dreamland's clinics in Umm Al Qaiwain and at the Outlet Mall in Dubai on Friday 6th of April. The awareness teams held mini workshops for female applicants, where the teams explained the method of self-examination and the necessity of early detection and regular examination. The lectures were highly regarded by attendees. Speaking about the women's response to screening, Dr Sawsan Al Madhi, Head of the Pink Caravan's Awareness and Medical Committee, said: "We have been noticing a high demand from women in the major and remote cities for screening from the moment we started our activities a week ago. The significance of our presence in remote areas this year was apparent, particularly as women's response to screening was higher than ever. The Pink Caravan helped these women gain confidence and break through the barrier of fear of the disease and screening". "A number of cases have been referred to mammogram and ultrasound exams after showing some suspicious symptoms. The presence of the mammogram and ultrasound clinic with the medical personnel in remote areas has facilitated the test process and made it faster and with more precise and reliable results", she added. On the other hand, Masafi's residents received the Pink Caravan's riders from the moment of their arrival to the town. The riders culminated the 30 kilometre trek between Al Dhaid and Masafi on the second day of the ride. They started from Al Dhaid main road going to Friday Market, and then to Masafi Hospital. The riders were accompanied by the Masafi's residents in a tour to see the attractions in the towns and to meet residents. The Pink Caravan's riders will arrive in the heart of the emirate of Fujairah today, while the clinics will be at Masafi Hospital in Fujairah as well as at Al Madinah Medical Centre in Fujairah. Pink Caravan's campaign will run annually until 2014, under the patronage of HH Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and under the directives of Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs. The Pink Caravan's ride starts in Sharjah on 5th of April and will culminate in Abu Dhabi on 14th of April. The Pink Caravan has over 180 riders divided into 15 - 18 riders daily, including the Pink Caravan's ambassadors. The Pink Caravan's ride aims to spread greater awareness about breast cancer, encourage regular tests, and raise funds to buy a 3D mammogram clinic which will provide free tests for citizens and expatriates in the country. The Pink Caravan is an initiative launched by the Friends of Cancer Patients, in 2011, to commemorate the occasion of their 10th anniversary celebrations. Through this noble initiative, they are strongly campaigning towards bringing about awareness of breast cancer in the country. The Pink Caravan is under the umbrella of the "KASHF" program, which is an initiative to promote awareness of the importance of the early detection of cancer. KASHF also works towards providing information and guidance towards the early detection of many types of cancer, i.e breast cancer, cervical cancer, prostate, melanoma, and colon cancer. Their first project will be flagged through the Pink Caravan Campaign. The Pink Caravan campaign is specifically designed to raise awareness of breast cancer and to encourage women to perform self-examinations and go for regular medical check-ups. The campaign will run annually until 2014, focusing on all areas across the UAE, including remote and outlying areas, as well as city suburbs. The funds raised during this awareness campaign will ensure the availability of the latest technology in the early screening and detection of breast cancer, making it accessible - Emirates News Agency, WAM