Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Around 450 people took part in the PINK UNITY RUN 2026 charity run at Ashgabat Park in Tashkent to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, known as Pink October.
Participants included women affected by cancer, their relatives, medical professionals, volunteers and Tashkent residents.
The event was organised in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Uzbekistan and the Yashnabad District administration, with official support from the Tashkent City Health Department, the Research Centre for Public Health Analysis and Diana Backman, a breast cancer survivor who understands from personal experience the importance of timely medical care and support from others.
The initiative brings people together each year to promote women's health and mutual support.
Pink October: Early detection can save lives
Every October, dozens of countries take part in the international Pink October campaign to raise awareness of breast cancer. Its symbol is the pink ribbon. The campaign aims to highlight the importance of early detection, provide information on prevention and support women diagnosed with the disease.
How the campaign began
Breast Cancer Awareness Month was first observed nationally in the United States in 1985, while the pink ribbon became an international symbol of the campaign in the early 1990s.
Today, healthcare institutions, government agencies, civil society organisations and businesses take part by organising free screenings, information campaigns, charity events and sporting activities.
Why the issue matters
Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers among women. According to the World Health Organization, around 2.3 million women worldwide were diagnosed with the disease in 2022, and approximately 670,000 people died from it.
The chances of successful treatment are significantly higher when the disease is detected at an early stage, making timely diagnosis a central focus of the campaign.
In Uzbekistan, a state programme for cervical and breast cancer control for 2025–2030 is being implemented under Presidential Resolution No. PP-402 of 22 November 2024. It provides for the development of screening and early diagnosis, improvements to healthcare services and greater public awareness.
Run programme
Participants could run or walk distances of 3, 5 or 10 kilometres. Alternative participation formats were available for people undergoing treatment and families with children.
Medical professionals provided free consultations and examinations for women in the park, including ultrasound scans, mammography, heart examinations and vision checks.
At the Health Corner, participants received information on disease prevention, healthy lifestyles and the importance of regular medical check-ups.
The programme also featured music and dance performances, interactive activities and prize draws. The event was hosted by Ekaterina Shelyagina.
One of the run's objectives was to raise funds for medical assistance for women who require surgical treatment.
Partners
UNFPA has worked in Uzbekistan for more than 30 years, supporting reproductive health, strengthening the healthcare system and improving access to quality medical services.
For the second consecutive year, the organisation has been working with national partners to support the implementation of Resolution No. PP-402 through awareness-raising activities focused on the prevention and early detection of breast and cervical cancer.
As part of PINK UNITY RUN 2026, UNFPA provided organisational and informational support, including assistance in recruiting young volunteers.
