Hundreds of UAE cancer survivors attended a heartfelt ceremony under the patronage of the Emirates Oncology Society, in cooperation with the Gulf Cancer Society, at Mohammed Bin Rashid Library in Dubai. The event, held on a Friday in June — internationally recognised as Cancer Survivors Month — aimed to inspire hope in patients and their families by showing that cancer is not a lethal disease.
Eight-Year-Old Leukemia Survivor Becomes a Young Champion
Among those honoured was Alexandra Voyatjes, an eight-year-old leukemia survivor who has become a champion for other children fighting the disease. Diagnosed at the age of three, she underwent nearly three years of treatment and has been cancer-free for almost two years.
Alexandra wants other children battling cancer to hear her story. "The two biggest weapons are smiling and being happy," she said. "It was a rigorous journey indeed, but I came out of it and I am so thankful."
British Expat Beats Stage 3 Breast Cancer in the UAE
Yasmin Hussain, a British national who has lived in the UAE for 13 years, shared her story of overcoming stage 3 breast cancer. Diagnosed in October 2020, she underwent six months of chemotherapy followed by five weeks of radiation therapy.
Hussain emphasised the power of a positive mindset and the support of friends and family. "What was special was that every morning when I woke up, I would look into a mirror and say to myself that I am not sick," the mother recalled. She has been cancer-free for more than two years and continues to improve.
Teenage Syrian Resident Overcomes Eight-Year Battle
Omar Hossam, a 17-year-old Syrian resident of Sharjah, was also recognised at the event. Diagnosed with leukemia in early 2013, he fought the disease for almost eight years before achieving remission in early 2022.
"I didn't doubt that I would be able to overcome it, thanks to the power of the Almighty," Omar said. He credited his family and friends for keeping him motivated throughout the long battle.
UAE Cancer Facilities Ranked in the Global Top 10
Prof. Humaid Al Shamsi, president of the Emirates Oncology Society, highlighted the significant growth of cancer treatment facilities across the UAE, noting that they are now ranked among the top 10 globally.
He pointed to rising survival rates as proof of the country's medical progress. "Today, it is possible to cure 70 percent of cancer patients," Al Shamsi stated, underscoring the advanced infrastructure and specialist expertise now available in the Emirates.
The ceremony served as a powerful reminder that with modern treatment, strong community support, and the right mindset, UAE cancer survivors can — and do — go on to thrive.
