Cancer patients’ register to be launched in the UAE
Data may help with tackling the disease and raise awareness
SHARJAH // The Ministry of Health and Prevention says a national registry for cancer patients will soon be in place to provide data that may help authorities and experts tackle the disease and spread awareness of it.
While an official date for the registry has not been disclosed, an announcement is scheduled for March 7, to coincide with the 7th annual Pink Caravan, a 10-day cancer awareness drive across the seven emirates. “We have many cornerstones in the development of the cancer registry. We have the experts and the necessary budget to launch it,” said Dr Ayesha Suhail, director of primary health at the ministry.
“The registry will provide a platform of data for all cancers types, age groups, locations, race, among many others, which will help us to target, screen and raise awareness about the disease. The availability of raw data will help us find out the underlying causes and the trends.” Reem bin Karam, chairwoman of the Higher Organising Committee of the Pink Caravan, said: “It will help us create more programmes and campaigns that will lead to early de- tections and, thus, saving more lives.”
This year’s Pink Caravan will have more than 150 riders and volunteers trekking across the country to spread awareness of breast cancer. A clinic will be available in each emirate, where medical staff will offer free screenings and respond to residents’ queries.
Clinics will be stationed at Abu Dhabi Corniche, Al Majaz Waterfront in Sharjah, Dubai City Walk, Ajman Corniche, Al Hamra Mall in RAK, Al Khazan Healthcare Clinic in UAQ, while, in Fujairah, it will be located at Al Faseel health promotion centre.
“The Pink Caravan ride has helped in an early detection for 33 individuals across the UAE since the first ride. Thirty-two of them were females,” said Ms bin Karam.
The caravan route will kick off from Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club, passing through all emirates, ending in the capital on March 10, at Zayed Sports City.
The 7th annual Pink Caravan, a 10-day cancer awareness drive across the seven emirates, will begin on March 7