Pink Caravan launches October breast cancer awareness campaign with nationwide free screenings
Friends of Cancer Patients brings comprehensive screening and community engagement across the UAE, building on last year's success of nearly 20,000 examinations
Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP) will commence its Pink Caravan 2026 Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign on 1 October, establishing a nationwide initiative encompassing complimentary screenings, community programmes, educational seminars and interactive activations across the United Arab Emirates.
Expanding upon the previous year’s accomplishments, which delivered more than 19,000 free screenings to 17,458 women and 2,244 men, the 2026 campaign creates diverse participation opportunities for individuals, families, corporations and communities. The month-long endeavour prioritises accessibility to breast health services whilst encouraging consistent health monitoring and mutual support within communities.
Comprehensive Clinic Network
Nine permanent Pink Caravan clinics will operate throughout October across strategic locations including Mushrif Mall in Abu Dhabi, Mall of Al Ain and Makani Zakher in Al Ain, City Walk in Dubai, Al Majaz Waterfront and Al Dhaid Mall in Sharjah, Mall of UAQ in Umm Al Quwain, RAK Mall in Ras Al Khaimah, and Lulu Mall in Fujairah. Beyond these fixed facilities, Mobile Clinics and Mini Mobile Clinics will traverse residential neighbourhoods, commercial destinations, educational institutions, workplaces and government entities throughout the month.
Complimentary clinical breast examinations and mammograms remain available subject to eligibility criteria. The initiative extends into corporate and educational settings through workplace clinic bookings, Employee Wellness Days and specialised awareness sessions addressing breast health, symptom recognition, self-examination techniques and screening significance.
Community Engagement and Festival
The Pink Caravan Community Event returns to Aljada, Sharjah, from 2 to 4 October for its third iteration, in partnership with Arada. Operating from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM, this three-day festival integrates health services with family-oriented community engagement, featuring complimentary examinations, educational workshops, gaming zones and children’s entertainment.
Aisha Al Mulla, Director of Friends of Cancer Patients, emphasised that early detection constitutes a fundamental strategy in improving breast cancer outcomes. She highlighted the campaign’s commitment to expanding screening accessibility whilst encouraging broader community participation in health advocacy. The initiative aims to establish early detection as a straightforward, proactive health measure embraced by increasingly larger populations.
Extensive Partnership Support
The campaign benefits from robust institutional backing. Crescent Petroleum serves as Principal Partner, whilst campaign sponsors include Arada, Innovo Management, Sharjah National Oil Corporation, Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Real Estate, Sharjah Media City–Shams, Al Marwan Group, Habib Bank, Sharjah Classic Cars Club, Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority and Zulal, amongst others. Medical partners encompassing Advanced Care Oncology Center, Zulekha Hospital, University Hospital Sharjah, NMC Royal Hospital Sharjah and Canadian Hospital provide post-screening referrals where necessary.
The public is encouraged to participate by attending fixed clinic screenings, engaging with community activations and promoting health awareness within their networks. Organisations may contribute through hosting clinics, organising awareness sessions, arranging Employee Wellness Days or strategic partnerships extending campaign reach into corporate and community spheres.
Source: WAM