Dubai:Zulekha Hospital’s ‘Pink It Now’ breast cancer awareness campaign has been encouraging early detection and prevention of the disease over 9 years in UAE and has attracted over 13000 women to attend the free screenings and consultations in its hospitals to-date. The hospital continues to break the stigma in minds of men as well who may also be diagnosed with breast cancer. This year, the healthcare group has launched the free screenings from 1 October to 31st October 2020.  

Co-Chairperson Zanubia Shams, commented, “In these times when we are occupied and coping with the pandemic and its impact on our lives, we cannot forget our non-covid health conditions that may project a higher risk for our bodies at a later stage.  It is essential and important for us to provide access to these health checks that has made a difference to lives. As done every year, with our “Pink it Now” campaign in October, this year as well we are raising awareness on this dreadful disease and educating the masses on the important of frequent checks.”

“I encourage women and men to take these checks and keep a watch on your health. We have ensured utmost safety of our patrons and staff to avoid any spread of infections by adhering to infection control protocols. With necessary social distancing and hygiene measures, one can safely visit the hospital.”

With an aim to raise awareness on the key subject, the hospital also has engaged with male cancer survivors treated successfully at the hospital. The group’s cancer support group “Pink Knights” will also be meeting over a webinar and sharing their stories during the month. One of the courageous survivors Madhusudhan shares, “It is important to watch any symptoms and take help at the right time from the right medical expert. The advancements in cancer treatments nowadays ensure good outcomes. I advise everyone to follow the advice of your treating doctor and just keep calm, maintain your normal self and continue with your regular day to day life. This will help your recovery.”  

Campaign ambassador, Dr. Pamela Munster, Professor of Medicine, UCSF adds, “We must encourage medical professionals to pursue the research and support clinical trials in this subject. Over the years, sedentary lifestyles may make our lives more susceptible to these diseases. The greater the education we can provide to the industry professionals as well as the non-clinical masses, the better the outcomes will be.

*As of 2018, breast cancer caused 260 deaths in the United Arab Emirates, In that year, the number of deaths caused by cancer amongst women in the UAE was 977 compared to 1.1 thousand amongst men. Due the insignificant numbers reported for male breast cancers and absence of clinical trials in this subject, the disease is ignored by everyone. 

*For the earliest stages of breast cancer in men, stages 0 and I (zero and one), the 5-year survival rate is 100%. Approximately 47% of men with breast cancer are diagnosed with this stage. The 5-year survival rate for men with stage II (two) disease is 87% and stage III (three) disease is 75%. When the disease has spread to other parts of the body, the stage is called stage IV (four). The 5-year survival rate for men with stage IV breast cancer is 25%. Even if the cancer is found at a more advanced stage, new treatments help many people with breast cancer maintain a good quality of life, at least for some time.
 
In addition to free X - Ray mammogram and consultations with general surgeons, oncologists and gynecologists, the hospital offers 50% discounted rates on ultrasound tests if advised by the doctors. To register, call 600524442 or visit pinkitnow.zulekhahospitals.com and download the application Pink Knights.