The Emirates Cancer Association brought together cancer survivors, volunteers and health officials for the walk through the museum grounds, according to a report by the Emirates News Agency. Sheikh Dr. Salem bin Rakad Al Ameri, chairman of the association’s board, described the event as a reflection of the society’s commitment to spreading health awareness by combining it with cultural elements at the historic site. The association collaborated with the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre and SEHA to deploy a mobile mammography vehicle at the venue, enabling immediate free examinations for eligible women as part of the drive to promote early detection.
Al Ameri praised the museum’s management for facilitating the partnership that integrates heritage with public health messaging, the Emirates News Agency reported. Participants received educational resources on breast cancer prevention and the benefits of routine self-examinations during the march. The activity formed one element of broader Pink October programming across the UAE aimed at engaging communities in cancer prevention efforts.
National Cancer Registry data places the UAE breast cancer incidence at 94 cases per 100,000 women, a Gulf News report citing health officials indicated. Authorities recorded 1,456 new cases in 2023, with 66 per cent diagnosed at early stages that contribute to survival and recovery rates of approximately 98 per cent, according to Dr. Asma Saeed Khamees, a consultant radiologist with Emirates Health Services. The figures underscore the impact of sustained screening and awareness campaigns that have positioned the UAE among countries with outcomes comparable to advanced healthcare systems.
Similar initiatives in recent years have expanded access to free clinical breast examinations and mammograms at dozens of locations nationwide, a separate Gulf News assessment of Pink October activities found. The Friends of Cancer Patients group, operating the Pink Caravan, reported conducting more than 19,000 screenings during its 2025 campaign across fixed and mobile sites in all seven emirates. These efforts have contributed to higher participation rates, including a notable share of first-time screenings among women responding to increased outreach.
The Emirates Cancer Association, officially registered with the Ministry of Community Development, provides financial and psychological support to more than 500 patients each year while funding prevention programs and research, its official website stated. Events such as the Al Ain museum walk seek to reduce stigma, encourage proactive health behaviours and integrate awareness into everyday public spaces. Organisers expressed appreciation for the volunteers and survivors whose involvement helped amplify the campaign’s reach within the local community.
Museum officials facilitated guided elements that allowed participants to connect the awareness message with cultural and historical context during the event, the Emirates News Agency added. Health experts continue to stress that early detection through accessible screenings remains central to maintaining high recovery rates observed in the national population. The association indicated plans to build on this model with further collaborative activities throughout the remainder of the awareness month.
