Breast Cancer Awareness Month is now in full swing, with all manner of fundraising activities and drives taking place across Abu Dhabi. From spa treatments to fun runs, we take a look at where you can join in the fight against the disease.
Around the world, October sees cities deck themselves out in pink as part of a global drive to highlight Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Abu Dhabi is no different. Though there are still no official figures available, it is thought to be the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UAE, and one of the biggest killers of women in the country. Yet it is also one of the most preventable and curable diseases if caught at the right time through early detection – awareness is key to saving lives. The good news is that the emirate has gone a little bit awareness-mad this month, with a whole host of unique ways to do your bit for cancer research and support groups.
Breast cancer and the UAE
Though incidence is certainly high, it is not known just how big a problem breast cancer is for the UAE, as there is no centralised data centre gathering statistics. The country has a huge need for a national cancer registry – and this is currently one of the goals of Friends of Cancer Patients. According to Dr Richard Reyes, one of the founders of the Breast Cancer Arabia foundation, the country also lacks the right medical expertise. ‘While the facilities are at an acceptable level, in terms of experience of people there are certainly very few properly trained and experienced breast cancer specialists in the country,’ he says. The foundation prides itself on offering specialist care, which is funded through donations and fundraising activities – with many activities planned for the city this October. Despite these hurdles, what is known is that out of every 100 newly diagnosed breast cancer cases, approximately one will be a man.
Although cases of men with breast cancer are rare, when present it tends to be aggressive – and survival rates are low. The key across the board is early detection – the earlier you catch breast cancer, the better your chances of survival.
Typically, there are no symptoms, though as it grows it can form a lump that can be felt in the breast tissue, which makes regular self-examinations important. As a general rule, breast cancer can affect absolutely anyone and some factors have been picked out as increasing an individual’s risk, such as ageing, family medical history, late menopause, being more than 40 percent overweight, smoking and frequent use of pregnancy control pills. Even if none of these factors apply to you, you are by no means in the clear, so regular screening is essential.
To find out where Pink Caravan will be holding free screenings in Abu Dhabi, visit www.pinkcaravan.ae.
Support Pink-tober in Abu Dhabi
There are plenty of events going on around the city with the community supporting Breast Cancer Arabia, here are just a few to get involved in.
The Holiday Inn
The Holiday Inn is hosting a Barbie Pink Brunch at their Silk Route Café restaurant on October 25. It will raise funds for Breast Cancer Arabia and they are selling breast cancer pink ribbons for Dhs5 in the hotel.
31st Street (02 657 4888).
Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi
The Crowne Plaza is turning pink and is hosting a pink bubbly brunch every Friday in October, there is a selection of pink food and drink.
Hamdan Street (02 616 6101).
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
The Fairmont hosted the Pink Caravan earlier in the month, offering free check-ups to Abu Dhabi’s residents and guests and they are also donating Dhs5 from every CuiScene brunch to Pink-tober.
Bain Al Jessrain (02 654 3333).
Café Arabia
One of the biggest supporters in Abu Dhabi, Café Arabia hosted their pink day on October 3. They are also running a silent auction of pink-inspired art donated by local artists to raise money for Breast Cancer Arabia.
Between Al Karama and Airport Rd (02 643 9699).
Honey Child Spa and Salon
The spa and salon is hosting a Pink and Gold Gala where they will be selling pink hair extensions to raise money for the cause on Saturday October 26 from 4pm.
Bain Al Jessrain (02 558 3544).
Kaya Skin Clinic
Kaya Skin Clinic has announced a partnership for the second year with the Pink Caravan – they will be donating five percent of sales from their Kaya Couture range.
Abu Dhabi Mall, Tourist Club Area (02 643 5030).
Anantara Pink Brunch
Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara is hosting a pink brunch at their Ingredients restaurant for the duration of October.
Eastern Ring Road (02 656 1000).
Run for Breast Cancer
A biathlon at the public beach on Saadiyat will be raising funds for Breast Cancer Arabia. The fun begins at 8am with entertainment for all. Entry is Dhs150 which will be donated to the cause.
www.premiermarathons.com/event/Pink_Biathlon_2013.
Bodytree Studio
The proceeds of a different class per week at Bodytree Studio will be going to Breast Cancer Arabia. You can work out and do some good at the same time.
Al Khalidiyah, www.bodytreestudios.com (02 443 4448).
Pink Caravan
This initiative is more than just an annual horse ride.
Pink Caravan has become something of a posterchild for breast cancer awareness campaigns in the UAE. Launched in 2011 by Friends of Cancer Patients, a UAE-based charitable society, it’s had a major impact on the way breast cancer is viewed in the emirates.
The Pink Caravan ride sees more than 100 riders (dressed in pink) embark on a horseback journey through all seven emirates, raising awareness and encouraging women and men to perform self-examinations and go for regular medical check-ups. Along the route, mobile clinics offering free screenings are set up.
Since it started, the initiative and its clinics have travelled more than 1,000km, made more than 250 clinic stops and screened 21,795 people – 5,450 of whom were men. The goal has been to undermine the stigma surrounding cancer in the country and get people – women in particular – discussing the disease with their families and attending regular check-ups.
Find out more at www.pinkcaravan.ae.
