October 31, 2021:  In observance of 'Breast Cancer Awareness Month', the Emirates Health Services (EHS) has launched the “Pink Shield” application, which aims to raise awareness among community members of the importance of early detection of breast cancer, to enhance prevention and diagnosis, thus accelerating therapeutic interventions. 

The application is available in Arabic and English, and contains basic information and knowledge to raise awareness of diseases among women at risk of developing breast cancer.

The app has also supportive guidelines, which allow directing patients diagnosed in the early stage of the disease.

Pioneering experience
HE Dr. Youssef Mohamed Al Serkal, Director-General, EHS, said that Emirates Health Services pays particular attention to breast cancer through the development of several relevant programs and initiatives, which is as part of its keenness to develop preventive and curative health services to reduce cancer incidence in the country according to the national indicator.
It is also part of the efforts made to strengthen national efforts to combat breast cancer, within the framework of the national policy to reduce cancer mortality rates.

Al Serkal stated that the EHS is committed to leveraging modern technologies that make use of medical data to develop innovative models for patient care to help them confront the disease and limit its spread and give breast cancer patients more support and hope.
This would help enhance the EHS's position at the local and regional levels in the field of breast cancer.
He stressed that the EHS strives to develop comprehensive programs to improve the outcomes of breast cancer care and works hand in hand with partners to improve patients' quality of life.

Community education and patient support
Dr. Sara AlShaya, Head of Operational planning and project manager, EHS, said: “The “Pink Shield” application is part of the EHS's plans to raise public awareness of breast cancer and promote a healthy lifestyle, thus increasing the rate of early detection and reducing the incidence of the disease.
She mentioned that the app contains comprehensive information about breast cancer risk factors, breast self-examination and diet, and a special section for the latest medical publications, articles and guidelines related to breast cancer.

Dr. Sara underscored that early diagnosis of breast cancer generally increases the chances of successful treatment and survival, pointing out the EHS provides medical personnel with regular training on the standards and scientific evidence related to breast cancer.

She urged women to conduct periodic examinations to detect breast cancer, perform breast self-examination, and visit the health centers for screening on annual basis.