Just Beat it

The whole of October is breast cancer awareness month around the world.
Awareness is increasing everywhere and even here in UAE several programs to raise awareness among people were undertaken; the national initiative aimed to teach the importance of early screenings and prevention.

 Breast Cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer amongst women worldwide. About 1 in 10 women are diagnosed with Breast Cancer each year. While the causes of breast cancer are still unknown, certain risk factors - gender, family history, genetics, personal history of breast cancer - are linked to the disease.

 

The Ministry of Health is offering free medical check-up as part of its campaign to raise awareness that lives can be saved if breast cancer is detected at its early stages.

Thousands of medical professionals have been deployed across the country to promote the message that recovery from breast cancer is very high if detected in the early stages. Breast screening centres are set up all around UAE and a brochure displayed prominently reminds women: "Remember, it is free, no hassle, no health card needed."
 

The Pink Walkathon, one of the strongest and biggest campaigns in the UAE and Gulf,where thousands of men, women and children spilled onto the streets to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer, is scheduled for tomorrow.

Even a book in Braille has been published to help educate those who are visually impaired. And many hospitals are offering a half-price discount for mammograms during the month. 

There was a 'Pink' book sale organised Safe & Sound at Burjuman Centre which sold all kinds of books donated by well-wishers; the earnings utilized towards providing free check-ups and mammograms, supporting patient care and raising awareness for the cause with all fund collection and usage monitored by Red Crescent.

Other programs like the Survivors fashion show, football matches, Pink table cooking , Pink Biathlon, Sew Pink, Creating the largest Pink ribbon[to enter Guiness books], Paddle for the Battle, Pink Karaoke Night, Free mammograms, Expatwoman Annual Breakfast, Pink Polo, Breast Cancer Awareness cycle ride were the other events conducted to promote Breast Cancer Awareness and to raise funds towards research and supporting the free treatments given to the needy.

*We went for the book sale at Burjuman Centre and my children each picked an armful of books to take home. The sale itself was good and did brisk business. All pictures published above were taken there.