Sharjah24: In line with the 2022 World Cancer Day theme, ‘Close the Care Gap’ and to mark the Gulf Cancer Awareness Week from February 1 – 7, Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP) - a UAE-based civil society organisation, is stepping up efforts to make cancer a part of public conversation and to bridge the gaps in cancer awareness by exploring barriers that lead to inequities in cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
On February 9 at 11 am, Dr. Osama Kamal Alala, currently a Specialist in Health and Physical Activities at the Ministry of Education, will lead a webinar highlighting the close relationship between physical activity and cancer.
Free medical screenings
Building on its experience in facilitating evidence-based strategies for cancer prevention, FOCP will help close the gaps in access to quality care with free medical consultations and mammography screenings for all UAE residents.
On Thursday, February 3, FOCP provided free cancer screenings through the Pink Caravan medical mobile clinic at Sharjah Ladies Club
Illuminating iconic landmarks
FOCP is making a ‘visual’ statement to mark World Cancer Day this year by lighting up two popular landmarks in the UAE, in solidarity with and as a sign of support for those living with all types of cancer.
On February 3, the Dubai Frame will be illuminated in purple for the Gulf Cancer Awareness week while on February 4 and 5, the Al Wasl Dome at Expo 2020 Dubai will light up in orange for the World Cancer Day.
Virtual moral support
As a critical pillar of support for cancer patients in the UAE, FOCP will lend moral support and uplift the spirits of those impacted by cancer with a virtual music concert led by Bianca Mirpuri under the banner of Music That Heals. Featuring student performers, the concert will also help raise funds to support individuals on their health journey.
A panel discussion titled ‘I am Inspired’ on February 7 will see cancer survivors share their experiences of fighting cancer and their key learnings to inspire and empower others on their journey.
Promoting health messages via social media platforms
FOCP is taking action to spread the word on social media and reach a larger section of community members with custom posters that reinforce its key messages of cancer awareness. Through 11 unique posts on its social media handles, FOCP will advocate the importance of prevention and early detection to bring about lasting change and reduce cancer burden.
In honour of World Cancer Day, FOCP will also post a special video of cancer survivors across its social media platforms @focpuae to raise awareness about the need to close the gaps and remove the inequities and barriers of cancer prevention, diagnosis, and effective treatment for all people worldwide.
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