Sheikha Lubna bint Khaled Al Qasimi, UAE Minister of Economy and Planning, today voiced her support for the UAE Ministry of Health and Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign. The Emirates wide campaign will be running throughout the months of October and November 2005.
Sheikha Lubna bint Khaled Al Qasimi, UAE Minister of Economy and Planning, commenting on the campaign said, "Breast cancer is a disease which can shatter not only the woman's life, but that of her family. The test might be a bit uncomfortable but is nothing compared to the agony breast cancer will cause if the cancer is detected at a late stage".
"The UAE is committed to leading the fight against breast cancer and I encourage women in the UAE and across the Gulf countries to take control of their futures by lending each other support during mammography testing", she concluded. "Let's all be role models for our daughters, female colleagues and friends, and take action in doing regular breast self examination and mammography tests".
Friends of Cancer Patients, the patronized charity of Her Highness, Sheikha Jawahar Bint Mohammad Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness The Ruler of Sharjah and President of The Higher Council for Family Affairs, are supporting the joint campaign as part of their cancer awareness program. Sawsan Jafar, President, Friends of Cancer Patients adds, "Our charitable, volunteer organization is proud to support this campaign which we hope will ultimately save lives. Friends of Cancer Patients offer support through educational activities as well as financial aid to needy cancer sufferers and their families."
The "Two's Company" initiative encourages women to offer each other moral support by having the mammography tests in pairs, at any health centre in the UAE. Once tested, each pair of women can use the mammography receipts to redeem substantial discounts at selected retail outlets across the emirates. United Colours of Benetton, Giordano, Nine West, Dune, Areej and Second Cup are all participating sponsors, and will be offering discounts and vouchers to women who present the receipts in pairs.
Approximately 95 percent of women who are diagnosed in the early stages of breast cancer will survive more than five years after diagnosis. As a result, many doctors recommend that women conduct a monthly self-breast examination and some advocate an annual clinical examination to detect breast lumps.
