Sharjah: The 11th Pink Caravan Ride (PCR), which began on 4th 2023 at Al Heera Beach in Sharjah, was officially opened by Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, a member of the Supreme Council and the ruler of Sharjah.
The ‘Friends of Cancer Patients’ (FOCP) annual awareness campaign, with the theme “Powered by You,” will travel throughout the seven emirates from February 4th to 10th 2023 to coincide with World Cancer Day. It will provide free screenings and raise awareness of breast cancer and the value of early detection to combat the disease.
The PCR marked the annual awareness campaign with the publication of a collaborative research study titled “Measuring Breast Cancer Awareness Level in Sharjah,” carried out in collaboration with NAMA Women Advancement. According to the study’s findings, while only 46 percent of those polled had awareness of general cancer symptoms, 55 percent of those possessed sufficient knowledge of self-examination for breast cancer. The findings also revealed that 71 percent of respondents knew less than they should have regarding the causes of cancer.
The study also found that 33 percent of those polled annually conduct a breast cancer self-examination. In addition, 86 percent of respondents said that taking part in PCR has motivated them to adopt better lifestyles and deepen their knowledge of breast cancer.
Ms. Sawsan Jafar, Chairperson of the FOCP Board of Directors, remarked that, “At FOCP, we operate under a clear vision focused on assisting cancer patients and their families in overcoming challenges they face, and since our operations align with Sharjah’s developmental journey to translate the vision of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed AlQasimi and the directives of Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, our responsibilities are huge to ensure the success of the emirate’s efforts.”
After the official ceremony, Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, the PCR Special Envoy, mounted the horses and started the much-anticipated ride. Before going on to Ajman and stopping at Thumbay Hospital to end the first day’s activities, the PCR made many stops in the emirate, including Al Hisn in the Heart of Sharjah. Residents went to the Pink Caravan Mammogram Unit at Al Heera Beach in Sharjah and Al Zoraa Marina in Ajman all day on Day 1. Al Heera Beach and Ajman Thumbay Hospital both have two Minivan clinics.