Cancer incidence in the Middle East region including the UAE is on the rise with the number of cases expected to double by 2030, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
In the UAE alone, according to the last figures released by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, there are 4,500 new cases of cancer each year with breast, colorectal and lung cancers acquiring top spots.
Bareen International Hospital – located in Mohammad Bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi, is supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month with the launch of a host of activities to help highlight the importance of breast cancer awareness, education and early detection.
Kicking off with a bike riding initiative in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Cycling Club, “The Pink Ride“, which saw guests and staff from the hospital don pink t-shirts, pink ribbons and pink wristbands and fasten pink flags to their bicycles as they took part in a bike ride around Bareen grounds.
Ahead of the ride, a ceremony was conducted where Dr. Hala El-Sayed Ali Hassan, Specialist – Obstetrics and Gynecology at Bareen International Hospital spoke about breast cancer – its causes, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Joining her was Ms. Dana Al Hammadi, an Emirati community influencer who spoke about the powerful role that women play in society and how important it is to take care of their health.
To further raise awareness, attendees also enjoyed a Pink Balloon Release. Participants were given pink balloons and formed a big pink human ribbon, ahead of releasing the balloons to mark the occasion. Afterwards patients, guests and staff had the opportunity to sign on “The Pink Wall” their commitment to support Breast Cancer Awareness to encourage early detection. To mark the occasion and to pledge their continuous support, Bareen International Hospital’s façade turned pink and projected the Breast Cancer Awareness Month logo throughout the month of October.
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women and the second most common cancer overall. One in eight women worldwide is diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime and there were over two million new cases in 2018. Among women age 50 and older the rates increase significantly. Breast cancer is highly curable if detected early, and so Bareen International Hospital is urging people to check for signs and to contact a doctor if they have any concerns.
“In the fight against breast cancer, early detection is vital. It is treatable and curable if it is detected during the early stages, and in that respect we are honoured to be initiating this campaign and urge women to regularly self-examine and if they spot anything unusual that is causing them concern, then we would encourage them to get checked by their doctor,” said Dr. Hala El-Sayed Ali Hassan, Specialist – Obstetrics and Gynecology at Bareen International Hospital.
“Supporting this cause is so important. As a responsible medical facility, we are eager to help raise the awareness of the community in combatting this condition.”
During this month, Bareen International Hospital doctors will also visit schools, universities, private companies, and government units as they conduct lectures on breast cancer risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, self-breast examination.
