FOCP leads initiatives during 10th Gulf Cancer Awareness Week
The first couple of weekends in February were dedicated by FOCP to reinforcing its early detection efforts. On February 1, FOCP participated in Cancer Run 2025, organised by Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, where its mobile clinic provided clinical breast examinations for women aged 20 and above. On February 8, the Sharjah-based civil society organisation took part in a cancer-run event in Dubai Design District, once again deploying its mobile clinic to offer free breast screenings. FOCP also participated in the 12th Annual Marathon by Friends of Arthritis Patients in Al Mamzar, Sharjah, where its state-of-the-art mobile clinic continued to provide essential screenings to participants and attendees.
FOCP partnered with the Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority to illuminate key landmarks across the emirate with the official 10th Gulf Cancer Awareness Week logo as part of the ongoing Sharjah Light Festival. Additionally, the House of Wisdom and Sharjah Museums Authority joined the cause, with the Sharjah Art Museum glowing in orange to raise awareness on World Cancer Day, while the House of Wisdom was lit in purple, the universal color for cancer awareness.
Aisha Al Mulla, Director of FOCP, emphasised the significance of these efforts, stating: 'The 10th Gulf Cancer Awareness Week is crucial to reaffirm our commitment to raising awareness, fostering community involvement, and ensuring that patients receive the support they need. Year after year, FOCP has strengthened its contributions to this vital initiative, expanding our reach and impact through multi-faceted participation and collaborations. By leveraging data-driven insights and measurable outcomes, we continuously refine our approach to ensure our advocacy and support efforts are as effective as possible. The insights we gather from our strategic programmes guide our future initiatives, allowing us to develop targeted interventions that better serve cancer patients and promote awareness at a national and regional level.'
Advocacy on a regional and global stage
FOCP actively participated in the 10th Gulf Cancer Awareness Week's opening ceremony in Kuwait, joining regional cancer advocacy groups to strengthen cross-border efforts in fighting cancer. Additionally, FOCP took part in a panel session at the 3rd International UAE Rare Disease Society Congress, where discussions centred on the impact of rare cancers and the role of advocacy in addressing patient needs.
To further highlight the importance of financial assistance in cancer care, FOCP conducted an in-depth assessment of beneficiaries who received financial aid since last year's Gulf Cancer Awareness Week. This study aims to evaluate the long-term impact of support on patient outcomes and quality of life.
Community-driven initiatives to boost public participation
FOCP's awareness events and activations throughout February focused on creating positive experiences for cancer patients and survivors and witnessed strong participation from the UAE community, who furthered FOCP's mission to make a lasting impact in the fight against cancer. Between February, FOCP is organising visits to Al Noor Island, Sharjah Safari, and Mleiha Wheat Farm, offering patients a chance to connect with nature and find respite from their treatment journeys.
For pediatric cancer patients, FOCP collaborated with Make-A-Wish, RAK Insurance, Abu Dhabi Police, and Emaar Entertainment to host special hospital visits and fun-filled activities at Mediclinic Hospital, Tawam Hospital, and various entertainment venues, providing young patients with moments of joy and comfort.
Additionally, FOCP partnered with Mleiha Nursery to host an educational session on childhood cancer awareness and healthy living, ensuring that parents and students are well-informed about early detection and prevention strategies.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Today
30 minutes ago
- Gulf Today
UAE performs first robotic surgery with HIPEC
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has successfully performed the UAE's first robotic cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) to treat a rare appendiceal tumour, in a medical milestone that reinforces Abu Dhabi's position as a global destination for innovative healthcare. The complex procedure, performed on a 48-year-old patient, involved the removal of multiple internal organs to prevent the spread of the tumour in her abdomen. This groundbreaking procedure was led by Dr Yasir Akmal, Staff Physician in the Digestive Disease Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and an American Fellowship-trained surgical oncologist, and a multi-disciplinary team. Appendiceal tumours account for less than 1 per cent of malignancies worldwide and are found in approximately 1.4 per cent of patients who undergo an appendectomy. The patient initially presented symptoms resembling appendicitis, leading to the removal of her appendix. However, during the procedure, her surgeon discovered gelatinous deposits, a jelly-like substance, in the abdominal cavity. A subsequent pathology report confirmed the presence of a rare low-grade mucinous neoplasm, a tumour that, if untreated, could spread throughout the abdomen and result in a condition known as pseudomyxoma peritonei or 'jelly belly.' Dr Georges-Pascal Haber, Chief Executive Officer of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said, 'We are pushing the boundaries of robotic surgery and are proud to have used such an advanced technology for a complex procedure like Paola's. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is a leader in surgical innovation, continuously refining minimally invasive techniques to improve outcomes and enhance quality of life.' Following the tumour removal, HIPEC treatment (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) was administered- a technique where heated chemotherapy (42 degrees Celsius) is circulated within the abdominal cavity for 90 minutes to eliminate any residual cancer cells. Highlighting both the preventive and curative nature of the surgery, Dr Akmal said that the patient's condition was diagnosed at an advanced but treatable stage, and thanks to the timely intervention of the multidisciplinary team, supported by specialised AI-driven diagnostic tools, the team was able to navigate the process of eliminating the cancer cells in her body with precision. WAM
Zawya
an hour ago
- Zawya
FOCP's ‘Pink October' encourages corporates and institutions to participate in Breast Cancer Awareness month
Pink October focuses on early breast cancer detection and awareness. It offers free mammogram screenings and clinical breast examinations through mobile clinics. The initiative provides educational sessions and workshops on breast self-examination for both women and men. Corporate participation is encouraged through tailored packages, including mobile clinic bookings and Corporate Wellness Days. The campaign aims to empower communities, reduce breast cancer rates, and promote proactive health checks. Sharjah: The Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP) has launched its Pink October campaign to promote early breast cancer detection through community education and accessible screening programs. The campaign, delivered through FOCP's Pink Caravan initiative, aims to raise awareness and ensure individuals have the knowledge and resources necessary to prioritise their breast health To provide tailored support and awareness to the UAE workforce, FOCP encourages companies and institutions across the nation to play a crucial role in the ongoing fight against breast cancer by partnering with the Pink Caravan and making its vital services accessible to their employees. Social responsibility and awareness Corporate participation is essential in amplifying the reach and impact of breast cancer awareness efforts. By partnering with the Pink Caravan initiative, companies can demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility and actively contribute to enhancing the health and well-being of women and men in the workplace. 'Early detection saves lives and it's a responsibility we all share,' said Aisha Al Mulla, Director of FOCP. 'In the UAE, companies and corporations are pillars of our community, so their platforms, networks, and influence can play a transformative role in promoting awareness, encouraging screenings, and supporting a culture of proactive health. Through our Pink October campaign, we urge business leaders and industry decision-makers to step up, speak out, and join us in championing the importance of early detection. Together, we can build a healthier, stronger, and more resilient society.' Tailored options for corporate and institutional entities This year's Pink October campaign offers a range of tailored solutions to encourage corporate involvement, designed to make participation impactful and effective. Companies can book Pink October's mobile clinic to visit their premises, providing expert-led mammogram screenings for female employees aged 40 and above, as well as clinical breast examinations for women and men aged 20 and above. These services are delivered with the utmost professionalism and privacy, ensuring a comfortable and supportive experience for all participants. For organisations seeking a comprehensive approach to employee health, the Pink October Corporate Wellness Day is ideal, combining clinical breast examination, mammogram vouchers, and engaging awareness lectures that empower staff with life-saving knowledge. In addition to these core offerings, companies can also benefit from Mini Mobile Clinics, which provide screening services at the workplace. They can also book awareness seminars and workshops, available both onsite and online. These educational sessions are designed for both women and men, covering the essentials of breast self-examination and the importance of early detection. They are complemented by informative brochures distributed to all attendees. The impact of Pink Caravan and their Pink October campaign is clear, and year after year, thousands of women and men across the UAE gain access to screenings and educational resources, thanks to the support of forward-thinking corporate partners. Corporate bookings for the Pink October campaign are now open, and to reserve your Mobile Clinic, Corporate Wellness Day, or Awareness Seminar, simply email the Pink October team at info@
Gulf Today
16 hours ago
- Gulf Today
Troubling climate, health and development indicators
India is facing a mounting crisis on multiple environmental and development fronts. This is the warning that the Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has sounded as a sobering alarm. The think tank's annual 'State of India's Environment in Figures 2025' report, released in the capital on June 4, 2025, offered a stark data-led portrait of a nation grappling with extreme weather, declining public health, stalled infrastructure and deepening economic strain, according to a DTE press release. Using 48 indicators across four thematic areas, environment, agriculture, public health and human development, the report ranked all 36 states and union territories. The year 2024 was recorded as India's hottest year, with 25 states witnessing extreme and erratic rainfall. Alarmingly, as an analysis of the report by ClimateFactChecks states on its website, extreme weather events were reported on nearly 88% of the calendar days in the year. This climatic volatility displaced 5.4 million people within the country — the highest number of internal displacements due to climate disasters since 2013. Assam alone accounted for nearly half of these displacements, highlighting the vulnerability of northeastern regions to flooding and riverine erosion. While Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim and Goa top the charts in individual categories, the broader picture is bleak, says the DTE press release. No state emerges as a consistent performer across all domains and even top-ranked states struggle with fundamental issues such as pollution, waste management and access to health care. Andhra Pradesh led in environmental management, thanks to its forest and biodiversity conservation efforts. Yet it fared poorly in sewage treatment and river pollution control. Sikkim's organic farming and sustainable land-use practices helped it top the agriculture rankings, but it lagged in farmer welfare. Goa is the best in public health and infrastructure, with the country's highest rate of medically certified deaths. Still, it faced a shortage of hospital beds and low female labour force participation. Large, populous states — including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar and West Bengal, home to nearly half of India's population — ranked poorly across all categories, leaving vast swathes of the population vulnerable to climate and health shocks, according to the press release. The press release adds that the data made it clear that 2024 was a watershed moment. It was India's warmest year on record, with 25 states experiencing record-breaking rainfall. Extreme weather events triggered 5.4 million internal displacements. Floods alone caused two-thirds of the displacement, the report found. India's greenhouse gas emissions reached their highest global share – 7.8% – since 1970. More worryingly, the rate of emissions growth has accelerated in recent years, rising by nearly one percentage point between 2020 and 2023 alone, it stated. The country continued to overdraw its groundwater reserves, with 135 districts now extracting water from depths exceeding 40 metres – nearly double the number in 2014. Toxic heavy metals were found in almost half of the country's monitored river sites in 2022. Despite its 2026 deadline, the government has remediated only half of its legacy waste, the report said. Waste of all kinds is soaring. E-waste rose by 147 per cent in just seven years. Plastic waste, despite a partial ban, hit a record 4.14 million tonnes in 2022-23. Forest diversions for development reached a decade-high last year, with 29,000 hectares cleared, mostly in states like Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh, the report stated. These diversions, the press release highlights, which disrupt wildlife corridors, are one of the causes of the country's rising human-animal conflict rates, experts said. Air pollution continues to extract a deadly toll. Since 2021, residents in 13 Indian capitals, including Delhi, have breathed unsafe air one in every three days. Life expectancy in Delhi is nearly eight years shorter due to air pollution. In Lucknow, it is over six years. The report points out that in Uttar Pradesh, nearly two-thirds of all health expenses were borne by individuals. Kerala and West Bengal also recorded alarmingly high levels of private spending. Economic precarity is also deepening, the report revealed. Adjusted for inflation, incomes for salaried and self-employed workers declined between 2017 and 2023. Over 73% of India's workforce is informal and more than half of regular workers lack basic protections like paid leave or contracts.
