Breast Cancer Awareness Month UAE: Free Checks, Pink Runs and Support
Free breast checks in six emirates this October, two family pink runs, the signs to know and the UAE groups supporting women, plus a pink ribbon for your bag.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and across the UAE it brings free breast checks close to home. The Pink Caravan opens nine free screening clinics in six emirates from 1 October, and families can join two pink runs: Spinneys at DAMAC Hills on Saturday 3 October and Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi on Saturday 24 October.
What Breast Cancer Awareness Month means
The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) marks October with awareness campaigns, talks and a push for regular screening, and puts the reason simply: early diagnosis increases the chances of recovery in 95% of cases. Emirates Health Services (EHS) notes that breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UAE and the leading cause of cancer deaths among women. The pink ribbon is the month's symbol.
Know the signs
EHS lists these. If you notice any of them, see a doctor:
- a lump in the breast
- a change in size, shape or look
- a nipple newly turned inwards
- skin changes on the breast or nipple
- fluid from the nipple
- redness or dimpling, like orange peel
The World Health Organization adds: most breast lumps are not cancer, but an unusual lump should be checked, even if it doesn't hurt.
Self-checks and screening
- Self-check: EHS recommends one a month from age 20, at the end of each cycle, or at the start of each month after menopause, so you know what is normal for you.
- Mammogram: EHS and the Dubai Health Authority advise one every two years from age 40 at average risk.
- Family history: EHS advises yearly screening under 40; DHA says it may start earlier on your doctor's advice.
Unsure what applies to you? Ask your doctor at your next visit.
Free breast checks this October
The Pink Caravan, run by the charity Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP), offers free clinical breast exams and mammograms all month, subject to eligibility. Its mammograms are for women 40 and over with no symptoms.
📸 See this year's Pink Caravan on the Pink Caravan's Instagram post.
| Emirate | Fixed clinic | Map |
|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi | Mushrif Mall | Directions |
| Al Ain | Al Ain Mall | Directions |
| Al Ain | Makani Zakher | Directions |
| Dubai | City Walk | Directions |
| Sharjah | Al Majaz Waterfront | Directions |
| Sharjah | Al Dhaid Mall | Directions |
| Umm Al Quwain | Umm Al Quwain Mall | Directions |
| Ras Al Khaimah | Ras Al Khaimah Mall | Directions |
| Fujairah | Lulu Mall | Directions |
Mobile clinics also visit communities and workplaces. Appointments: 06 506 5576.
Pink runs and family events
Pink Caravan community event, Aljada, Sharjah. Free checks for women and men, workshops and play areas for children. Fri 2 to Sun 4 Oct, 5pm to 11pm · Directions
Spinneys Family Pink Run, DAMAC Hills. For every level; 100% of entries go to the Al Jalila Foundation, and everyone gets a T-shirt, a medal and a snack. Also in our weekend guide. Sat 3 Oct, 7:30am, DAMAC Hills Mall · Register · Directions
ADCB Zayed Sports City Pink Run, Abu Dhabi. All ages, with a 3 km route for families plus 5 km and 10 km. Sat 24 Oct, Zayed Sports City Stadium · Register · Directions
More family plans are on our events calendar.
Who is behind the pink ribbon
- Friends of Cancer Patients: runs the Pink Caravan, free screening across the UAE since 2011.
- Al Jalila Foundation: its #PINKtober raises funds every October for its breast cancer programme; it also runs Majlis Al Amal, a free cancer drop-in centre for patients and families. Directions
- Brest Friends: a support group founded in 2005 by breast surgeon Dr Houriya Kazim; The National reports it meets monthly in Dubai. brestfriends@outlook.com
Wear the ribbon: accessories on Amazon.ae
Easy ways to show support at a run, school or work. Affiliate links (note below); details are the seller's own.
- Pink ribbon lapel pins, metal, about 2.8 × 2.1 cm. Check it on Amazon.ae
- Pink ribbon glitter temporary tattoos, 72 on 18 sheets. Check it on Amazon.ae
- Pink ribbon stickers, a roll of 300, for bottles and gift bags. Check it on Amazon.ae
- Pink ribbon silicone bracelets, 30 with Hope, Faith, Strength and Courage. Check it on Amazon.ae
Something to do this week
Set a monthly self-check reminder, book a free Pink Caravan check if you are 40 or over, or sign the family up for a pink run. Then share this with a mum or friend who might need the nudge. Keep our trusted UAE government sources handy too.
Sources
- MOHAP, Breast Cancer Awareness Month
- EHS, Early Detection of Breast Cancer
- DHA, Periodic Health Screening Guideline
- WHO, Breast cancer
- Sharjah24, Pink Caravan 2026
- FOCP, Pink Caravan
- Premier Online, Spinneys Pink Run
- Zayed Sports City, Pink Run
- Al Jalila Foundation, #PINKtober
- The National, Brest Friends
- Brest Friends
This article contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, mumma may earn a commission at no extra charge to you. As an Amazon Associate, mumma earns from qualifying purchases.
