Pink Caravan Ride ends with 11,000 screenings

Abu Dhabi - PCR has played a key role in reducing suffering of patients and their families.

A record 11,000 breast cancer screenings were held as part of the 10th annual Pink Caravan Ride (PCR), top officials announced at the end of 10-day journey in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance, noted the PCR has played a key role in reducing suffering of patients and their families.
"I salute the riders of this humanity campaign who have helped in creating awareness about fighting breast cancer and importance of early detection. I thank everyone in the community for making the Pink Caravan Ride a success," he said at the closing ceremony held at Al Hudayriat Island.
Sheikh Nahyan hailed the role played by the UAE leadership, His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and his wife Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Founder and Patron of the Friends of Cancer Patients (FoCP).
Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan bin Khalid Al Qasimi, chairman of the Government Relations Department, Sharjah, underlined the PCR is a 'journey of life, awareness and culture.
Reem Binkaram, chairperson of the Pink Caravan Ride Higher Steering Committee, said the journey over the years has ensured a healthy and active society.
"We are proud of the energy level of our riders, volunteers and medical professionals, which will provide strength for next editions. The PCR managed to do 11,000 screenings.
We saw increase in the number of men coming for screening. This shows increased awareness among the society about the importance of early detection. But we still need more effort. Plenty is not enough," she added.
The PCR had hit 10,000 in its first edition and the new record has put more responsibility on the shoulders of the organisers, Dr Sawsan Abdul Salam Al Madhi, director-general of the FoCP, said. "We have delivered on our promise of more than 10,000 screenings. I found community members are more aware and health-conscious, which is amazing." She pointed out the mobile screening van, without horses, will continue its drive across the UAE all throughout the year.
"The communities who haven't been able to reach us do have more chances now," said Dr Sawsan, who is also the head of the awareness and medical committee for the PCR.
"We have raised the bar. We need to think something else for the next year," she said at the completion of the 153-km ride across seven emirates with more than 100 volunteers a150 horse riders, 350 health professionals and record 191 clinics being conducted.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi