According to Global Cancer Facts & Figures (3rd edition), there were 1.6 million new cases of breast cancer in women worldwide and 521,900 deaths caused by breast cancer in the same year. However, if detected in its initial stage, there is a 98% survival rate as compared to a 27% if it’s detected in the advanced stage. This highlights the importance of early detection and regular check-ups.
October marks Breast Cancer Awareness month, an annual campaign that unites the entire world in one spirit to raise awareness about breast cancer. The aim is to get people involved in events, drives, fundraisers to address topics such as importance of early detection, symptoms, self examination, complimentary screening tests and prevention of breast cancer. Many events around the country aim to collect donations for this cause. Events also raise awareness by bringing together breast cancer survivors to share their inspiring stories.
Pink October events line-up
From awareness talks, fitness activities, fun games, spa deals to special restaurant menus, you can do your bit and go pink this October by taking part in a range of activities to support the cause of Breast Cancer Awareness.
| Event | Date | Location | Time | Description | Emirate |
| Fitness First Party in Pink Zumbathon | 23rd Oct | Fitness First, The Meadows | 6pm | Fitness First is organizing it’s annual zumbathon to encourage women to stay active and healthy to reduce risks of breast cancer.Entry is free for all and the first 500 participants will receive an adidas shirt. Register by sending SMS ZUMBAMOVES to 4900. Also, get free access to all Fitness First clubs on all weekends during October. Register here to get your free pass. | Dubai |
| Pink Caravan JBR | 14 & 15th Oct | JBR | 10am- 10pm | Pink Caravan is organising an event to raise awareness about Breast Cancer at JBR Rimal Sector. The event will have free checkups along with fun activities for kids such as craft corner, bouncy castle, etc. Other activities include nail spa corner, makeup booth among others. Entry is free for all. | Dubai |
| Pink Ladies Games | 21st Oct | Fairmont, The Palm | 7am-11.30pm | The Pink Ladies Games is a half-day programme where women will battle each other in 5 fun challenges. These include tyre change race, paddle boarding race, waiters’ race, tug of war and make-over challenge. Participants will also receive gifts and prizes from sponsors. There will also be a diagnostic tent for checkups. Participation fee for a team of five is AED 650, of which AED 100 will be donated to Pink Caravan Breast Cancer Awareness initiative. | Dubai |
| Pink Paddle | 21st Oct | Eastern Mangroves Hotel And Spa by Anantara | 8am- 10am | Participate in the annual pink paddle on Friday October 21. Wear pink and take a guided tour of the mangroves behind the hotel in a kayak. Entry will be AED 150 for adults and AED 130 for kids, of which AED 100 will be donated to Bosom Buddies, an Abu Dhabi-based cancer support group. | Abu Dhabi |
| Pink Bazaar | 1-31st Oct | Tips & Toes | N/A | Tips & Toes will be hosting a Pink Bazaar sale where you can buy items such as pink T-shirts, coffee mugs, water bottles. A part of the proceeds will go to breast cancer charity, Pink Caravan. You can also avail Pink Ladies’ packages, starting from AED 220, with AED 25 from each package being directly donated to charities. | UAE |
| ADCB Pink Run | 14th Oct | Zayed Sports City | 7am | Support the cause by participating in ADCB Pink Run which is a 5K or 10K run organized by ADCB and Abu Dhabi Striders. Entry costs are AED 180 for adults and AED 110 for children, which will be donated towards Breast Cancer Research. Register online here. | Abu Dhabi |
| ADCB Pink Polo | 4th Nov | Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club | 2pm | ADCB Pink Polo is a charity polo match which will be held at Ghantoot Polo Club to raise awareness about breast cancer in the UAE. You can enjoy a fun day with the family with free entry, free consultations and checkups, activities for children, sports and fitness activities, food and beverages and more. | Abu Dhabi |
| Pink Menu | 1-31st Oct | Jumeirah Emirates Towers | N/A | La Cantine du Faubourg, a French restaurant in Dubai, is offering its signature menu items in pink throughout the month of October. Some of its classics which will be served in pink include the dessert ‘Pink Eton Mess’ and drinks such as ‘Pink Lady’ and ‘Pink Blush’. All proceeds from the sale of these special menu items will go to Breast Cancer Arabia Foundation. | Dubai |
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Free check-ups & consultations
As part of Breast Cancer Awareness month, various hospitals and clinics across the UAE conduct free or discounted screenings throughout the month of October. Below are a list of clinics and hospitals you can visit for a check up.
| Clinic/Hospital | Description | Emirate |
| Aster Hospital & Medical Centres | Free training on early detection of Breast Cancer at all clinics. | Dubai |
| Mediclinic Welcare Hospital | 50% discount on mammogram screenings for women above the age of 40. | Dubai |
| Mediclinic Dubai Mall | 50% discount on mammogram screenings for women above the age of 40. | Dubai |
| Saudi German Hospital | 50% discount on consultation, ultrasound and mammogram tests. | Dubai |
| Lifeline Hospital | Complimentary breast examination & ultrasound scan. Mammogram (if indicated) at a discounted rate of AED 200. | Dubai |
| NMC Healthcare | Free mammogram screening for women above the age of 40 at all NMC hospitals. | Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Ain |
| Zulekha Hospital | Free consultation, and mammograms (for women over 40) under the ‘Pinkitnow’ initiative.(Valid throughout 31 December 2016) | Dubai, Sharjah |
| GMC Clinics | Free clinical breast examination at Jumeirah, Tecom, Green Community and Trade Centre branches. | Dubai |
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