Meraas is hosting a range of breast cancer awareness activations this month to raise the profile of the most diagnosed cancer in women worldwide, and one that is predicted to affect two million more people every year.

With cancer cases forecast to double by 2030 in the Middle East, according to research from the World Health Organization (WHO), the time to act is now. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Meraas reaffirms its support for the cause as its destinations go pink.

Valiant Clinic by Meraas, the premium multi-specialty hospital in the region, has partnered with Pink Caravan to organize an inclusive breast cancer awareness event. As part of the SuperPINK fundraising campaign, Valiant will hand out vouchers for free screenings to men and women from 6pm to 10:30 pm at the boardwalk at Bluewaters on 17 and 18 October, and at The Beach on 24 and 25 October.

Pink Caravan, the UAE’s leading breast cancer detection initiative, will station its mobile clinic at La Mer on 11 October between 2pm and 9pm to offer free educational workshops on the condition. Women aged 40 and over without medical insurance can benefit from complimentary screenings and receive mammogram vouchers.

With over two million new cases of breast cancer reported in 2018 worldwide, Pink Caravan’s invaluable efforts in the UAE have provided free screenings and clinical examinations to more than 7,000 women this year alone, resulting in 11 diagnoses of current cases.

Visitors keen to express their solidarity with those fighting breast cancer can leave inspirational messages on a ‘Wall of Hope’ that has been installed at The Beach and Bluewaters.

In La Mer, a pink flag has been raised to symbolize Meraas’ ongoing commitment to a cause that impacts so many lives. The LED street lights at City Walk as well as the brightly lit Meraas logos at the destinations will also turn pink throughout the month to encourage visitors to get to know more about the causes, effects, prevention and cure of breast cancer.

La Mer is also hosting a series of free-to-attend yoga classes by instructor Daniela Vohnout until 28 October. Yoga is often recommended as palliative treatment, as it is a natural way to help people relax and alleviate stress, anxiety and depression. It is common for cancer patients and survivors to turn to yoga to cope with the symptoms and side effects.