Healthcare | Saturday 25 June, 2016 3:11 pm |

Pink Caravan Ride (PCR), the UAE breast cancer initiative that travels the emirates spreading awareness of and providing early detection for breast cancer, has held its annual Higher Steering Committee meeting to review its most recent activity. 

 

Taking place at Al Jawaher Reception & Convention Centre in Sharjah, the event discussed the results of the sixth annual PCR, which concluded in March this year. Touring the seven emirates over 10 consecutive days, PCR’s latest mission to spread awareness about breast cancer saw the participation of 79 riders, 150 volunteers and 41 medical clinics. 

 

Attending the meeting was HE Ameera BinKaram, founding member and President of the Board of Trustees of Friends of Cancer Patients (FoCP) and Chairperson of the Higher Steering Committee of PCR; Dr. Sawsan Al Madhi, Director General of FoCP and Head of PCR’s Medical and Awareness Committee; Mohammed Al Musharrakh, FoCP Board Member and Director of the CrossFit Hour Gym in Sharjah and a number of FoCP members and PCR committee members.

 

The meeting commenced with HE Ameera BinKaram praising His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, for his patronage of PCR. She also lauded the wife of His Highness, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Founder and Royal Patron of the Friends of Cancer Patients, International Ambassador for the World Cancer Declaration of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), International Ambassador for Childhood Cancer for UICC, for leading the fight against breast cancer and for her efforts that have had a profound impact on PCR’s results over the past six years.

 

“For its sixth annual ride, PCR travelled more than 200 kilometres across the seven emirates of the UAE, making a sum total of 1,440 kilometres covered since its inaugural ride in 2011. Our clinics provided free breast cancer early detection screenings by expert medical staff for 5,059 citizens and residents, with 4,406 women and 653 men seen during the 10 days,” said HE Ameera BinKaram.

 

BinKaram pointed out that the tests provided during PCR 2016 had detected five positive cases of breast cancer, with the persons diagnosed referred to FoCP for follow up and the provision of appropriate treatment. She assured that Pink Caravan will monitor the progress of the individuals concerned.

 

She added; “A total of 1,665 mammograms referrals and 440 ultrasound examinations were conducted during Pink Cravan Ride 2016, raising the number of beneficiaries of its operations over the past six years to 41,391 men and women. Since its inception in 2011, 430 riders and more than 650 volunteers have provided their invaluable assistance for this initiative to succeed. Lectures and medical workshops have taken place at 87 schools, with breast cancer early detection examinations conducted at 450 medical clinics. From its onset, Pink Caravan Ride has successfully garnered support from ambassadors representing all segments of the community who are committed to representing the initiative and promoting its objectives.”

 

BinKaram explained that PCR 2016 saw the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs distributing thousands electronic flyers containing detailed information about breast cancer. The guides demonstrated the importance of early detection and self-examination, highlighted factors and habits which increase the risk of developing cancer and offered advice on how to cope with the disease if diagnosed. The ministry supervised the distribution of the flyers to embassies, consulates and diplomatic missions to meet its responsibility towards the community and spread Pink Caravan’s message as widely as possible.

 

During the meeting, attendees reviewed PCR’s latest initiatives, including its new fixed clinic at Al Majaz Waterfront in Sharjah which formed a major part of PCR 2016. The Higher Steering Committee of PCR stated that it intended to apply the experience to the rest of the emirates in the forthcoming years. Participants also heard about PCR’s strategic partnership with the UK’s Princess Grace Hospital, one of the best-equipped multidisciplinary hospitals in London.

 

The meeting also reviewed the affiliated activities that took place as part of PCR 2016, including the ‘Pink Bite’ event organised at Galleries Lafayette in Dubai, which raised AED 51,000 - equivalent to the cost of five chemotherapy sessions - which was donated to PCR. Other events assessed were the ‘Together We Achieve Better’ initiative at Al Majaz Waterfront in Sharjah; the ‘Pink Regatta’ event at the Palm, Dubai; the ‘CrossFit’ event at Jumeirah Beach Residence in Dubai and the ‘Pink Circuit,’ which was held at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.

 

Bin Karam expressed her appreciation to the individuals and organisations that had assisted its programme with unstinting dedication, in particular thanking Sharjah Media Corporation, Sharjah Islamic Bank and PCR’s strategy partners. She also praised Pink Caravan’s ambassadors, riders, doctors, nurses, volunteers and all segments of society who contributed to ensuring such a successful ride for 2016. The meeting concluded by discussing preparations for PCR 2017 and the most important measures needed to ensure a repeat of its achievements to date.