Sharjah24: In 2023, the Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP) made significant strides in supporting cancer patients and their families. The Sharjah-based international civil society organisation provided financial support amounting to AED 7.2 million to 323 patients suffering from 55 different types of cancer, including 246 women, 55 men, and 22 children. Additionally, FOCP organised 25 initiatives to bolster moral support for 850 patients and their families while their awareness campaigns reached millions of people in the country and around the world.

Awareness and community programmes

The society targeted over 3,000 individuals through 10 community events and another ten under their ‘Kashf’ initiative. Furthermore, activities included five events focused on childhood cancer awareness, four on lung health, one on men's health, and a remote event for skin health awareness. Additionally, 400 events were conducted by the medical clinics under the Pink Caravan initiative.

The initiatives covered breast cancer and cervical cancer awareness, offering 18,228 free medical screenings for early breast cancer detection. These comprised 17,223 clinical examinations, 887 mammograms, and 118 ultrasound screenings. In a unique initiative, ‘Locks of Hope’, 674 individuals donated hair, which was used to provide natural hair wigs to 20 female patients. The society also covered the costs of Umrah trips for five patients.

Key milestones of 2023

FOCP’s journey in 2023 began with the Pink Caravan Ride, coinciding with World Cancer Day from February 4th to 10th. During the pan-UAE trek, 13,457 free medical screenings for breast cancer were carried out across the seven emirates, including 139 mammograms. The annual awareness initiative achieved massive success with the help of 384 volunteers, including riders, logistics teams, and medical staff, who contributed 59,830 volunteer hours. 

Continuing their journey, FOCP launched the annual Zakat campaign, which yielded AED 5.3 million in donations and Zakat funds channelled for cancer patients' support. Allocations included AED 1,566,802 for chemotherapy, AED 1,423,751 for medication, AED 799,165 for bone marrow transplants, AED 655,232 for radiation therapy, AED 498,108 for cancer surgeries, AED 261,967 for imaging, and AED 103,292 for medical equipment.

MoUs and strategic partnerships for expanding treatment scope

In a move to honour the courage of cancer patients, FOCP signed an MoU with the Esaad Centre as part of the "Esaad card initiative. This initiative offers a range of benefits and facilities that positively impact and improve cancer patients' quality of life. 

Additionally, the association signed an MoU with Ghantoot Horse Racing and Polo Club to join forces in community-based endeavours to amplify awareness, showcasing cutting-edge treatment programs and technologies accessible within the UAE. Moreover, FOCP and Zulekha Hospital signed a landmark partnership, paving the way for enhanced and affordable cancer care access in the UAE, streamline and optimise the medical journey of these patients, ensuring they receive top-tier medical treatments with substantial financial relief at Zulekha Hospital branches in Sharjah and Dubai. Throughout the year, FOCP forged strategic partnerships with more than 25 partners and sponsors.

Recognition of FOCP’s efforts

FOCP’s efforts in raising awareness in the community were crowned with the award of "Cancer Awareness Advocate of the Year". This accolade was presented during the fourth annual conference of the Emirates Oncology Society, held in September 2023 in Dubai. The event was held under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence.