UAE — For the past 12 years, Zulekha Hospital’s ‘Pink It Now’ breast cancer awareness campaign has successfully drawn over 15,000 women in the UAE to participate in free screenings and consultations.
This annual initiative not only raises awareness about breast cancer but also emphasizes the significance of early detection and regular check-ups.
This year, the hospital collaborated with the Dubai Women’s Run and Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP) to host a special cancer support group dinner meeting that highlighted the crucial role of support for cancer patients, survivors, and their families beyond treatments.
Key figures attending the event included Co-Chairperson Ms. Zanubia Shams, Dr. Ramadan Alblooshi (Senior Advisor to the Director General, Dubai Health Authority), Dr. Harmeek Singh (Race Chairman, Dubai Women’s Run and Founder of Plan B Group), and Ms. Aisha Abdulla Al Mulla (Director General, FOCP).
Ms. Shams emphasized the need for organizations and individuals to encourage friends and family to undergo screenings, extending the focus beyond treatments.
She said, “Going beyond treatments, support groups, and survivorship programs such as the one we are in today helps improve patient outcomes.”
Over the past 12 years, Zulekha Hospital has provided free preventive screenings to over 15,000 women.
Ms. Aisha from FOCP expressed their pleasure in partnering with Zulekha Hospital, emphasizing their commitment to promoting early cancer detection and providing support to patients on their healing journey.
Dr. Harmeek Singh, while appreciating the initiative, stated, “Awareness is Cure,” highlighting the importance of supporting breast cancer patients and raising awareness through initiatives like the WoS4Cancer.
The event featured spirited survivors Modupe Omonze and Shabnam Masood, who shared their experiences and emphasized how early detection saved their lives.
An exclusive raffle draw offered participants the chance to win gift vouchers. Additionally, a panel of doctors, including specialists in oncology, surgical oncology, medical oncology, and plastic surgery, addressed audience questions on the subject.
In the UAE, enhanced screening efforts are reducing the number of advanced cases of breast cancer, leading to improved survival rates.
Early detection is paramount, offering a greater range of treatment options, a better prognosis, and an improved quality of life.
Delayed identification and treatment can lead to increased mortality and necessitate more aggressive treatment.
This year’s ‘Pink It Now’ campaign has garnered support from partners such as Dubai Women’s Run, Plan B Group, Friends of Cancer Patients, Danube Home, Fine Solutions P&G, Kibsons, Pran Foods, and Drink Dry.
It remains one of Zulekha Hospital’s core corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, underscoring the importance of cancer prevention strategies, early detection, and effective patient management.
In addition to providing free X-ray mammograms and consultations with oncologists and general surgeons, the hospital offers a 50% discount on ultrasound tests if recommended by the doctors.
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