Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, Founder and Royal Patron of the Friends of Cancer Patients Society (FoCP), has praised the Cabinet decision to allocate Dh 54 million for free early detection of cancer and regular screenings for Emirati citizens.

The decision falls within the general approach adopted by the UAE's wise leadership to ensure a healthy lifestyle for the Emirati people. The move also reflects the leadership's eagerness to safeguard its citizens and residents, exemplifying a modern model of administration, which is now followed by a number of countries.

Sheikha Jawaher, who is also the International Ambassador of the World Cancer Declaration for Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), and International Ambassador for Childhood Cancer for UICC, added, "We have great confidence that both initiatives "Regular Check-ups" and "Early Detection of Cancer" will contribute significantly to raising public awareness about the importance of early detection of cancer and boost efforts aimed at offering free screenings across the UAE throughout the year."

She stressed the importance of cancer prevention programmes alongside regular examinations and check-ups and the need to ensure the provision of appropriate and effective treatment for cases detected in the UAE. Sheikha Jawaher emphasised that launching such initiatives demonstrate the UAE's commitment to providing excellence in maintaining a healthy lifestyle for its citizens and residents. "Undoubtedly, this approach is in the interest of the UAE at present and in the future, where studies and research show that programmes for the prevention and early detection of incommunicable diseases, including cancer, help greatly in increasing chances of a full recovery and also reduce treatment costs."

In 1999, Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi established Friends of Cancer Patients, FoCP – a charity dedicated to spreading awareness around the six early detectable cancers; Breast Cancer, Cervical Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Testicular Cancer, Colon Cancer, and Skin Cancer under the umbrella of "Kashf" programme, which was launched by FoCP with the aim of providing free early detection screenings and offering treatment costs for all patients.

FoCP was able to provide financial and moral support to more than 1380 male and female cancer patients in the UAE. The Pink Caravan, an initiative launched by the FoCP in 2010, has contributed significantly to promoting awareness about the importance of the early detection of breast cancer, and addressed misconceptions surrounding the disease. The Pink Caravan offered free screenings to 34,400 people, including 7,837 men, of various nationalities and ages.
Source: WAM