Novartis, in partnership with the Friends of Cancer Patients’ Pink Caravan, has led a nationwide initiative to bring breast cancer awareness and screening services directly into workplaces across the UAE. While the effort was prominently aligned with Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, the campaign is set to continue throughout the year to sustain momentum around early detection and education.
The campaign involves close collaboration with major employers across sectors including telecommunications, aviation and media, integrating screening access and health education into employees’ day-to-day routines. According to Novartis, the initiative has already reached hundreds of employees, highlighting the company’s commitment to supporting workplaces in prioritising preventive health.
Aisha Abdulla Al Mulla, Director of Friends of Cancer Patients (FoCP), said: “Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the United Arab Emirates, accounting for over one-third of all female cancer cases. Addressing this challenge requires collaboration and shared commitment. Through our partnership with Novartis, we aim to bring education and screening initiatives directly to workplaces. Together, we can leverage resources, expertise, and knowledge to create a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to addressing breast cancer across the UAE.”
Breast cancer trends in the UAE differ notably from those in Western countries, with diagnoses often occurring at younger ages and later stages of the disease. One in five cases is detected in women under 40, making awareness and access to screening particularly vital. Health experts note that early diagnosis significantly increases survival outcomes.
Dr. Aydah Al Awadhi, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Emirates Oncology Society, and Division Chair of Hematology and Oncology at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City in Abu Dhabi, took part in the programme. She said: “It was an honour to participate in this vital initiative led by Novartis, which is crucial for encouraging regular screening, overcoming stigma, and equipping women with the knowledge and resources needed to care for their health. Initiatives like this are essential for building lasting awareness and supporting a culture focused on early detection throughout the UAE.”
Among the organisations involved is e&, one of the UAE’s largest employers, which has introduced on-site testing for its staff.
“At e&, the wellbeing of our employees is at the heart of our culture and workplace design. Our collaboration with Novartis and Pink Caravan to provide breast cancer education and on-site screening during work hours is a testament to this commitment. By removing barriers to access, we are promoting early detection and empowering our colleagues and their families to make informed health decisions. We are proud to support such vital initiatives,” said Ali Al Mansoori, Group Chief People Officer at e&.
The partnership seeks to leverage Pink Caravan’s established outreach record alongside Novartis’ oncology expertise to improve health awareness and strengthen access to screening nationwide.
“At Novartis, we recognise that transformative progress stems from both heightened awareness and improved accessibility,” said Mohamed Ezz Eldin, GCC Cluster Head at Novartis. “Through our partnership with the Pink Caravan and leading employers, we are enhancing breast cancer awareness and integrating early detection protocols into employee wellness programmes nationwide. By introducing essential health screenings into organisations such as e&, we are ensuring that breast health education and screening prioritized alongside professional life.”
Novartis plans to expand this workplace-focused effort in the months ahead. The company says it remains committed to advancing proactive health management across the UAE, with a continued emphasis on year-round education, awareness and early detection beyond the typical campaign period in October.
