UAE's Pink Caravan Ride nears halfway point in target

The seven-day initiative aims to conduct 9,000 consultations across the UAE.

Pops of bright pink dotted the roads at the base of the rugged mountains of Fujairah, as the Pink Caravan's knights and horses trotted on for its fifth day on February 27.
Covering a total distance of 19.6km in the emirate, the Pink Caravan Ride (PCR) started from the Sharjah University's Khor Fakkan campus and went to Khor Fakkan Hospital, Oceanic Khor Fakkan Resort and Spa, Dibba Al Hisn Corniche and Dibba Hospital.
The Fujairah leg of the PCR ended on Sambraid Beach, where awareness events were held from 2pm to 8pm.
Before the riders trooped to the emirate on Wednesday, the PCR had already logged a total of 3,818 consultations by the end of its fourth day in Umm Al Quwain. Its target this year for the ninth edition is to get 9,000 men and women screened.
With every stop, the pink knights made it a point to interact with the scores of people queueing up for their free screening and consultation. They highlighted how important it is to undergo regular check-ups to detect breast cancer and nip it in the bud.
"Since its first ride, PCR has successfully dispelled any misconceptions about cancer. And through their friendly approach, they encouraged people from all nationalities to come forward and be screened," said Khaled Abdullah Al Shehhi, director of Umm Al Quwain General Hospital. "We know a lot of financially strained people who wait for the pink riders to trek in their emirate in order for them to get the free screening, and ensure that they are cancer-free," said Al Shehhi.
Sanaa' Abu Shamalah, a mother of five, wouldn't have known that she had breast cancer if she hadn't gone to a PCR clinic in Ajman.  Sanaa' had already felt a lump in her breast then, but a doctor told her it could just be a hormonal problem. When she consulted with the caravan's specialists, she was sent for a mammogram.
"The mammogram confirmed that I had breast cancer. The news came down as horrendous thunder on my husband and children. Cancer means the end in our part of the world. It was a tough time on my family, as I started treatment and underwent surgery and chemotherapy sessions," said the 48-year-old Palestinian.
'Ride changed UAE people's cancer views'
Doctors of the Pink Caravan Ride (PCR) hailed how the nationwide campaign has been changing people's perception of breast cancer.
"Back in the day, women would come in reluctant and shy away from the physical exam. But things have changed, the majority of woman today come in for a screening, with background information about cancer and how the procedure goes," said Dr Nora Al Suwaidi, a PCR doctor.
"We offer them the information and teach them how to self-examine for them to carry it out regularly in the comfort of their homes."
The caravan's presence - be it on the roads in every corner of the country, in malls and hospitals, or on social media - has helped educate women on the importance of regular checks, she said.
"I have joined PCR in 2015, and since then, more women are coming in and getting screened. The ride itself and their online campaigns have contributed in raising awareness among women of the community on the necessity of early screening and detection."
Awareness may have significantly improved, but according to Dr Al Suwaidi, the PCR needs to keep going.
While women are the primary target of this campaign, the number of men coming in for screening has been steadily increasing, too, said Dr Samer Muhialldin.
>> Daily clinics:
>Saqr Hospital
10am-6pm
>RAK Economic Zone
10am-6pm
>Shaam Hospital
10am-6pm
>RAK Hospital
10am-6pm
>Abdullah bin Omran Hospital
10am-6pm
>Al Dhaid Hospital
10am-6pm
reporters@khaleejtimes.com
 

• UAE