AUS joins Pink October with medical screening services

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

With October marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month, American University of Sharjah (AUS) is joining the UAE’s nationwide initiatives to enhance awareness and encourage screenings. Throughout the month, AUS will host a series of events, aligning its efforts with prominent campaigns like the Pink Caravan and the National Cancer Control Plan.

On October 16, Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of AUS, attended the AUS Pink October breast cancer awareness campaign, Pink Fest, organised by the School of Business Administration (SBA).

Sheikha Bodour said: “Supporting Pink October is a vital contribution to raising awareness about breast cancer and the life-saving importance of early detection. Through education, research, and community-driven initiatives like Pink Fest, we foster a culture of compassion and resilience. It’s very moving to see the commitment of our students and partners to making this event a reality, and ensuring we continue to make meaningful strides in the fight against this disease.”

Held in partnership with Al-Jalila Foundation, Pink Fest included a fashion and jewellery show featuring designer creations by the AUS community. Jewellery was provided by Dusoul by Dhamani, and the fashion show featured designs by SBA students Aziza El Asri, owner of Caftan Al Asayeel; Mahra Al-Ali; Yassin Sadek; and Mohamed Alblooshi. It also included designs by AyAyat Alhaji, a UAE-based British-Syrian artist, and GVO, a UAE-based streetwear brand founded in 2021. A silent auction followed, with proceeds going to fund cancer research at AUS.

AUS is aligning its efforts with prominent campaigns like the Pink Caravan.

Dr Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, said: “Our annual #PINKtober campaign, now in its tenth edition, is a shining example of how community partnerships can raise awareness on important health causes and generate sustainable charitable revenues. Together, with their continued support we are improving the lives of breast cancer patients and their families. We are grateful for American University of Sharjah’s efforts and philanthropic spirit and look forward to making an even greater impact in the communities we serve.”

Pink Fest also saw Thumbay Group offering free screenings to raise awareness and support breast cancer prevention.

“We are proud to host PinkFest in partnership with Al Jalila Foundation, raising awareness and vital funds for breast cancer research at AUS. This event highlights our commitment at SBA to giving back to the community, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Dean’s Business Team for their hard work and dedication. It is essential to recognise the incredible effort our students put into making this initiative a success. We acknowledge the partnership, sponsorship and great support from Al Jalila Foundation. Thank you all for making this happen,” said Dr. Narjess Boubakri, Dean of SBA.

Earlier this week, the College of Engineering (CEN), along with its Women in Engineering Committee and student clubs, hosted a Pink Month Awareness event, featuring faculty research in breast cancer.

The event featured a keynote presentation on “Rendering Chemotherapy More Humane” by Dr. Ghaleb Husseini, Associate Vice Chancellor for Research Infrastructure and Professor in Chemical and Biological Engineering, who holds multiple patents in the field of breast cancer research. This was followed by a talk by Dr. Salam Dhou, Associate Professor in Computer Engineering, on “AI in Action: Revolutionizing Early Detection of Breast Cancer.”

A panel discussion with participants from the AUS University Health Services, CEN student clubs and faculty further explored the topic.

In addition to its participation in CEN’s Pink October event, the AUS University Health Services marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month every year with campus-wide awareness campaigns to promote prevention, year-round breast cancer screenings through physical exams, and education on self-examinations.

This year, University Health Services is offering free consultations and examinations for students, faculty and staff at the campus health centre. It has also partnered with the International Radiology Center and DML Medsol Laboratory to provide discounted mammogram and breast cancer screening services, ensuring accessible options for early detection and risk assessment.