• Home

Kids urge mothers to test for breast cancer

DUBAI — Over a hundred students from Safia Al Qurashia Girls School for Basic Education in Al Rashidiya, Dubai yesterday urged their mothers to get themselves tested for breast cancer.

The drive, supported by the Ministry of Health (MoH) and Hoffmann-La Roche Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign, aims to encourage all women over the age of 40 in the UAE to have mammography tests.

The children stood unified with the banner, "Breast Cancer Affects More Than Your Breast", to promote the idea that breast cancer can affect the entire family and that everyone has a responsibility to reduce its impact.

Aziza Al Suwaidi, Headmistress, Safia Al Qurashia Girls School for Basic Education, said: "Some of the lives of our students have already been touched by breast cancer. We feel that it's never too early to start educating children as their influence, particularly in the family environment, is often underestimated."

The campaign, running through October and November, focuses on providing women with discounted testing facilities, as well as supporting them through education and advice.

Supporting the campaign is the "Two's Company" initiative, which encourages women to offer each other moral support by having the mammography tests in pairs, at any health centre in the UAE. Once tested, each pair of women can use the mammography receipts to redeem substantial discounts at selected retail outlets across the emirates. United Colours of Benetton, Giordano, Nine West, Dune, Areej and Second Cup are all participating sponsors, and will be offering discounts and vouchers to women who present the receipts in pairs.

• UAE