Over the past 12 years, Zulekha Hospital’s ‘Pink It Now’ breast cancer awareness campaign has successfully encouraged more than 15000 women in the UAE to attend free screenings and consultations at its hospitals.
The campaign’s primary goal is to increase awareness about breast cancer, the importance of early detection, and the benefits of regular check-ups.
This year, the hospital collaborated with Dubai Women’s Run and Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP) to organize a cancer support group dinner, which emphasized the importance of emotional support for cancer patients, survivors, and their families, in addition to medical treatments.
Co-Chairperson Ms. Zanubia Shams joined the event, alongside other dignitaries including Dr. Ramadan Alblooshi – Senior Advisor to the Director General, Dubai Health Authority, Dr. Harmeek Singh – Race Chairman, Dubai Women’s Run and Founder Plan B Group, and Ms. Aisha Abdulla Al Mulla, Director General, FOCP.
Ms. Shams said, “While we have been doing our part as a healthcare provider in raising the alarm on early detection and prevention of Breast Cancer, organisations and individuals need to step up and encourage friends and families to take the screening. Going beyond treatments, support groups and survivorship programs such as the one we are in today helps improve patient outcomes. Over the last 12 years, Zulekha Hospital has had 15000 plus women availing free preventive screenings at the hospital facilities. We hope that this year too, many come forward to educate themselves as well as avail of free screening. Thanks to all our corporate partners for realising the need and joining us in this cause.”
Ms. Aisha, added, “FOCP is pleased to partner every year with Zulekha Hospital in this initiative of promoting early detection of cancer. It helps us achieve our objective to stand by and support patients in their healing journey, help them fight through the difficult times and survive, improve their lifestyles and make a positive contribution to the communities in UAE.”
Appreciating the initiative, Dr. Harmeek Singh said: “This year, the 10th edition of the run, the community grows bigger as Dubai Women’s Run is collaborating with Zulekha Hospital as our Medical partner. We stand strong with supporting breast cancer patients and raising awareness through our WoS4Cancer initiative. Awareness is Cure.”
Spirited survivors Modupe Omonze and Shabnam Masood shared their experiences and how the early detection actually helped save their lives. An exclusive raffle draw saw participants take away gift vouchers at the end of the event. Doctors including Dr. Roshan Koshy Jacob – Specialist Oncology, Dr. Sameh Aboamer – Consultant Surgical Oncology, Dr. Keerthi Banavara Ravi – Consultant Surgical Oncology, Dr. Anwar Sami Mohsin Ali – Consultant Medical Oncology, Dr. Bharadwaj Ponnada – Specialist Medical Oncology, and Dr. Surendra Chawla – Consultant Plastic Surgery addressed questions on the subject from the audience.
In the UAE, better screening is reducing the number of advanced cases of the disease and improved survival rates. Early detection of breast cancer is vital since it is linked to a greater number of treatment choices, a better prognosis, and a higher quality of life. As a result of the delays in identification and treatment, potentially increasing mortality, more severe treatment may be required.
‘Pink It Now,’ this year is supported by partners Dubai Women’s Run, Plan B Group, Friends of Cancer Patients, Danube Home, Fine Solutions P&G, Kibsons, Pran Foods, and Drink Dry, and is one of Zulekha Hospital’s core CSR initiatives, stressing the importance of strategies for cancer prevention, early detection and management of patients with the disease.
In addition to free X – Ray mammogram and consultations with oncologists and general surgeons, the hospital offers 50% discounts on ultrasound tests if advised by the doctors.
