In true UAE fashion, Abu Dhabi has once again secured another Guinness World Record – and for a great cause.
A total of 971 women gathered at Zayed University to take part in the largest simultaneous self-examination for breast cancer in the world.
The new record beat the previous record of 380.
The event, which opened with an educational session by healthcare professionals, aimed to raise awareness and educate participants about breast cancer – a widespread disease in the UAE and the world.
If the cancer is discovered early enough, the chances of successful treatment are significantly higher. One of the main symptoms is the presence of lumps in the breast, and self-examination is both effective and easy – so it is very important to educate women on how to perform a self-examination.
The record-breaking initiative was organised by VPS Healthcare, a company with a wide range of interests in the Middle East and India including hospitals and clinics. The organisation’s CEO of Diagnostic Services, Vinay Batra, said: “Through these kinds of awareness campaigns we are trying to create a paradigm shift in women’s perspectives on prevention, since early detection of the disease is key.
“Our overall objective is to increase awareness and attempting the Guinness World Record was a way to bring excitement to our campaign, and encourage more people to take part in this educational initiative.”
“It was very impressive to see the enthusiasm of so many women eager to participate in something incredibly important,” said Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, Managing Director, VPS Healthcare. “We are delighted to achieve this record.”
