Cancer is not gender-selective, emphasises Pink Caravan

October is globally marked as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and while much of the focus tends to be on women, it is essential to recognise that men can get breast cancer too. With each passing year in the past two decades, the incidence of male breast cancer has increased. While approximately 99% of breast cancers occur in women, 0.5–1% of breast cancers occur in men.

In the UAE, it is known that breast cancer accounts for the most commonly diagnosed cancer in both sexes. According to the latest information available from the UAE National Cancer Registry in 2021, there were 1139 new instances of breast cancer. Out of these cases, 1128 were reported among women, while the remaining eleven were identified in men.  

Friends of Cancer Patients reiterates its message of ‘early detection saves lives’

The UAE-based civil society organisation Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP)’s Pink Caravan initiative - a national campaign aimed at raising awareness and providing free breast cancer screenings - offers clinics for both men and women. In fact, a male patient was diagnosed with breast cancer during one of their screenings, highlighting the necessity of including men in awareness efforts.

Early detection through regular breast examinations, mammograms and clinical check-ups can help prevent the progression of the disease to advanced stages, reducing the risk of severe outcomes. The Pink Caravan’s mission is to ensure that everyone, regardless of gender, has access to life-saving screenings.

100+ clinics for free checkup in Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi throughout October

Throughout October, the Pink Caravan is spearheading a wide range of activities and medical services to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The initiative has launched eight fixed clinics across the seven Emirates, as well as over 100 mobile clinics nationwide, offering free breast cancer screenings for both men and women. The fixed clinics will operate from October 11 to October 30, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm, at key locations including Al Majaz Waterfront in Sharjah, Mushrif Mall in Abu Dhabi, and City Walk in Dubai.

In addition to the screenings, the Pink Caravan will deliver awareness workshops to educate the public about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, corporate entities are also encouraged to participate by booking mobile clinics for their employees, further extending the reach of this vital health initiative.

The community-focused initiative will go beyond medical services by creating engaging, family-friendly events to raise awareness about breast cancer in a fun and interactive way. From October 4–6, 2024, the Pink Caravan is hosting a community awareness event in Aljada, Sharjah, offering free screenings alongside activities such as sports competitions, workshops, and entertainment.

As part of its commitment to community involvement, FOCP is also inviting medical professionals, including doctors, nurses and students, to volunteer their time and expertise during the campaign.

Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer caused 670,000 deaths globally in 2022, with half of all cases occurring in women with no specific risk factors other than sex and age.

While the disease predominantly affects women, accounting for 99% of cases, approximately 0.5–1% of breast cancers occur in men. Despite its rarity in men, it is crucial to understand that breast cancer can impact anyone, and early detection is vital for successful treatment and survival.