PEOPLE from all walks of life came together yesterday for an event aimed at raising awareness about breast cancer, and to encourage regular check-ups.
The event, titled ‘United in Pink’, was presented by Woman This Month and the Gulf Daily News, in association with the Capital Governorate.
It was organised by RHM Events, at Water Garden City in Seef District, as part of the Breast Cancer Awareness Month and to spread a powerful message of hope, unity and the importance of early detection in the fight against the disease.
Capital Governorate deputy governor Brigadier Ammar Al Sayed and information and follow-up director Yusuf Lori were present.
“Each year, ‘United in Pink’ grows stronger – a reflection of Bahrain’s unwavering commitment to health and humanity,” said organisers.
“Together, we continue to stand united for awareness, action and hope.”
Highlights included a live community art display, where participants joined hands to paint a large-scale pink ribbon symbolising strength and awareness.
The installation will remain on display throughout the month.
The event also featured a Toni and Guy walkathon and a massage station, pink Porsche car display, music, raffles and live performances. Free check-ups and health advice were also provided by local wellness partners.
Adding star power to the event, Priya Dutt, daughter of Bollywood legends Sunil and Nargis Dutt, attended as a special guest of honour.
She praised Bahrain’s collective effort in championing women’s health.
“It is inspiring to see how the kingdom continues to unite in such meaningful ways,” she said.
“Events like ‘United in Pink’ remind us that awareness and early detection can save lives and community initiatives like this are where real change begins.”
Capital Governor Shaikh Khalid bin Humood Al Khalifa, in a message, reiterated the governorate’s full support for the initiative.
“The Capital Governorate is proud to stand with ‘United in Pink’ and its partners in promoting women’s wellness,” he said.
“This initiative reflects the kingdom’s shared values of compassion, unity and public well-being.”
Al Hilal Group Managing Director Ronnie Middleton said he was delighted to be involved with a community event which highlighted one of the most important issues of women’s health.
“Raising awareness will hopefully help us to create more understanding, provide support and help save lives,” he added.
The event reached an audience of more than three million people through on-ground participation, social media engagement and partner platforms, reinforcing Bahrain’s leadership in regional awareness initiatives.
Additional partners and contributors included Asian Paints, Colours of East, Lettuce Arun, Rotaract Club Bahrain, UFC Gym, VLCC, American Mission Hospital, QV, Myna Water, Hypermax (Majid Al Futtaim), Caribou Coffee, The Great Kabab Factory, Kenko, SEvents and Creative Beats.
A recent study by the Health Ministry and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland-Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) found that the 160 Bahraini research subjects that were tested between 2021 and 2024 found that 39 per cent of them had gene mutations linked to breast and ovarian cancer.
Bahrain currently has the highest breast cancer rate in the Arabian Gulf, with an estimated incidence of 117 cases per 100,000 women and an age-standardised rate of 58.5 per 100,000 – also higher than all other GCC countries.
Globally, around 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022, with 670,000 deaths reported, according to the World Health Organisation.
While the five-year survival rates in high income countries exceeds 90pc, the figures drop to 66pc in India and 40pc in South Africa.
If the current trend continues, the incidence and mortality are projected to rise by 40pc by 2050 hence the need for urgent and co-ordinated action.
julia@gdnmedia.bh
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