GENETIC TESTING WILL BE COMING TO PINK CARAVAN
This year’s Pink Caravan rides, which start on February 23, will provide genetic testing to make breast cancer treatment more effective. A mini mobile clinic will also be introduced on the ride route
sharjah — This year, the Pink Caravan Ride (PCR) will conduct genetic testing to make breast cancer treatment more effective in diagnosed cases.
The new initiative was announced on Wednesday during a Press conference by the Pink Caravan Higher Organising Committee. The genetic testing has been added to the campaign after 15 positive cases of breast cancer were detected by the ride last year — the highest number in a single edition.
Another addition to the ride is the introduction of a mini mobile clinic, which will travel across the seven emirates with the campaign’s equestrian volunteers. It will offer additional awareness lectures by medical experts, selfexamination workshops, as well as preliminary manual check-ups to support the services that will be offered by the medical teams. This is aimed at maximising the campaign’s community outreach efforts.
Reem BinKaram, head of the Pink Caravan’s Higher Organising Committee, told Khaleej Times that the ride targets to screen 9,000 men and women. “We are planning to share our experience to the world, so they can implement it to spread awareness among people and reduce the risks of the disease,” she added.
“Eight years ago, when we launched the campaign, all we wanted to do was spread awareness about the importance of regular screenings and early detection. We were a bit wary of the way our campaign would be received — horses on the road, rallying support to create breast cancer awareness, a taboo topic we would generally push under the carpet,” BinKaram said.
Nationwide celebration
Now, the ride has become a nationwide, annual celebration of hope, health and awareness, she said, adding that its success stories have spread in the region and far beyond. “People wait to join our campaign every year. I extend a ‘pink thank you’ for the efforts you all have put in. More than 16,000 mammograms have been conducted in the past eight years and more than 1,400 riders and volunteers have stressed the importance of early detection in all seven emirates,” she said.
All these advancements are results of the encouraging and consistent efforts of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and his wife Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Founder and Royal Patron of the Friends of Cancer Patients (FoCP), to whom we will forever be grateful.”
Dr Sawsan Al Madhi, directorgeneral of the FoCP, said: “New approaches to strengthening a culture of awareness are at the heart of this ride. Last year, we announced the launch of the Pink Caravan’s permanent mobile mammogram clinic, which features best-in-class screening equipment and the latest technologies used today for diagnosing breast and cervical cancers. This year, we are bringing genetic testing to make breast cancer treatment more effective.”
In addition to the mainstream activities, a series of family-focused awareness events will also be organised at Al Majaz Waterfront in Sharjah, the corniche areas of Ras Al Khaimah and Ajman, and at Dubai Design District.
Besides the opening and closing ceremonies in Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, Pink Regatta will be organised in Dubai.
People wait to join our campaign every year. I extend a ‘pink thank you’ for the efforts you all have put in.”
Reem BinKaram, head of the Pink Caravan’s Higher Organising Committee