Pink Caravan ‘one of the leading, most innovative awareness initiatives in the UAE’

Sharjah: Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, International Ambassador of the World Cancer Declaration and Union International for Cancer Control (UICC) International Ambassador for Childhood Cancer, Founder and Royal Patron of the Friends of Cancer Patients charitable society (FoCP), has announced the launch of the 4th annual Pink Caravan Ride, which will take place from Feb 15th - 25th next year. An initiative of Friends of Cancer Patients, Pink Caravan's first edition was launched in 2011, under the gracious patronage of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and his wife, H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi. The initiative's mission is to educate individuals, families and communities in the UAE about breast cancer - particularly the importance of regular self-examination and early detection - and to dispel the social stigma, inhibitions and myths around the subject, in addition to offering free screening services to all residents of the UAE. During the eleven-day expedition, the caravan, accompanied by mobile detection clinics, will engage in a horseback ride across the seven Emirates, starting off in Sharjah, then heading to Fujairah, RAK, Umm al-Quwain, Ajman, then via Sharjah again to Dubai, Al Ain, and concluding the ride at the capital, Abu Dhabi. Commenting on this occasion, H.H. Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi said, "Pink Caravan continues to ride for courage and hope for the fourth year, representing FoCP in the battle against breast cancer, spreading awareness, and offering screening services, including education on the importance of monthly self-examination. In addition, the Pink Caravan Medical teams will be providing annual mammography and medical check-ups, all in accordance with international best practices and standards. We are aware of the social stigma associated with breast cancer, and we have come a long way in breaking this social barrier, and promoting a scientifically sound approach." She also outlined the numbers of cases detected during last year's ride, expressing her compassion with the 14 cases diagnosed with breast cancer, including one Emirati man, all currently receiving treatment. "Pink Caravan's mission is to encourage all segments of society to get involved in the fight against breast cancer, through fund raising initiatives aimed at securing the sustainability of early detection activities, as well as supporting people undergoing treatment, both financially and morally." "We are determined to achieve successful results in 2014 which surpass those we have achieved in previous years. We plan to achieve this by expanding our sphere of awareness, as well as using the most advanced medical equipment for early detection during the eleven-day ride, with special focus on the volunteer aspect of the programme, which has been an instrumental aspect of our success. In this context, I would like to thank all the riders and medical professionals who volunteered in this initiative, and made it possible to screen thousands from the different parts of the UAE." Sheikha Jawaher concluded by inviting all public and private entities in the UAE, as well as all society members, to support and interact with the Pink Caravan, particularly after the great success Pink Caravan had achieved in the past few years. Commenting on the same occasion, Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, UAE Minister of Health, praised the great efforts and the role H.H. Sheikha Jawaher is playing in spreading awareness of cancer, as well as supporting cancer patients all over the UAE. He said, "The UAE Ministry of Health has supported Pink Caravan since its beginning, and we consider it one of the leading and most innovative awareness initiatives in the UAE. The Pink Caravan succeeded in reaching different parts of the UAE, delivering its message about the importance of early detection regarding breast cancer, and creating engagement and interaction both officially and socially." – Emirates News Agency, WAM