Motorcyclists on a Cross-Country Ride to Raise Awareness on Men's Cancers

Ras Al Khaimah, December 15, 2019: Over the weekend, Harley Owners Group (HOG) Abu Dhabi made the journey across four emirates in a bid to raise awareness of men’s health and early detection of male cancers with UAE-based non-profit, Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP).

The ‘Shanab Ride’ was flagged off from Abu Dhabi at 8:00am and made its way through Dubai and Sharjah where it took a group picture in front of the Sharjah book capital monument, before ending at the Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa, where a lunch and raffle draw was held at beautiful Al Maeda Restaurant, to help raise funds for the cause.

These motorcycle enthusiast took the lead on the ride, navigating other UAE-based bike groups who came together to support the cause on a 250 mile trail. 

Men lack awareness

Dr. Sawsan Al Madhi, Director General of FOCP, said: “Local and international research have shown that prostate and testicular cancer continue to be among the top cancers affecting male population. Most men are completely unaware of testicular cancer, despite it being the most common type of cancer affecting them between the 15 – 37 years age group. There are 48,500 new cases of testicular cancer diagnosed every year worldwide and 8,900 of them prove to be fatal. Prostate cancer usually occurs in older men, with six in 10 cases occurring in men aged 65 or older. Digital rectal examination (DRE) and prostate specific antigen (PSA) are two major tests for early detection of prostate cancer. Both cancers are curable if detected early.”

“That is why we urge men to go for regular check-ups. We urge the community to also take an active role in encouraging families, friends and loved ones to go for screenings. Early detection could make the difference between life and death as the 5-year survival rate for early detection of prostate cancer is 90% while the 5-year survival rate of testicular cancer is 95%," she added.

Shanab stresses the importance of self-examination in detecting testicular cancer. It collaborates with various government and private entities including health authorities, corporates and sporting associations, in an attempt to maximise awareness and promote a culture where health is considered a priority.

Aftab Mukadam, Cluster Director of Sales at Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa said: “The reason we have driven this initiative forward is to contribute to the large efforts put by FOCP in the awareness and fight against cancer. On a personal note, using two of my passions, hospitality and motorcycles, I’m proud that Hilton can be a part of this special campaign and support in creating awareness for this important cause.”

Mukadam continued; “As December is all about festivities and people coming together to create lasting memories, it was the perfect time to hold the Shanab ride, which was a huge success. The HOG Abu Dhabi team played a crucial role in bringing together all motorcycle enthusiasts to ride throughout the UAE, which we are thankful for, as well as our sponsors - Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Authority, Seawings Dubai, Toro Verde U.A.E, Fitness First & Motofever Dubai who also took the part in this great charity work. We look forward to continuing to raise awareness for this initiative and work with FOCP on future activations.”

For more information, please visit: https://focp.ae/

About Friends Of Cancer Patients

FOCP is a non-profit organisation, founded in 1999 under the directives and patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, and Founder and Patron of FOCP. The cancer charity is committed to helping cancer patients and their families to support them through their long and arduous journey of cancer treatment. Since its inception, FOCP has delivered moral and financial support to cancer patients and their families, garnered widespread recognition and created awareness about the disease. Shanab is their men’s health initiative under 'Kashf' for early detection of cancer, addressing prostate cancer and testicular cancer. 

About Shanab

Shanab, which means moustache in Arabic, is a men's health initiative that was launched in November 2014 under the Friends of Cancer Patients' initiative ‘Kashf’ for the early detection of cancer. It primarily focuses on testicular and prostate cancer. It highlights the importance of early detection and endeavours to eliminate the stigmas surrounding the two types of cancer. Shanab aims to raise awareness among people about the health issues faced by men and encourages men to communicate with peers about their health concerns.

Shanab also focuses on breaking down barriers and stigmas associated with cancers specific to men, which is achieved by encouraging men to communicate with each other.

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