​The race will raise awareness about breast cancer and help raise funds for breast cancer early detection efforts in Egypt EFG Hermes, the leading investment bank in the Arab world, is pleased to announce its sponsorship of the Breast Cancer Foundation of Egypt’s (BCFE) seventh annual Race for the Cure. The event will take place on October 24, 2009 at the Great Pyramids of Giza and is organized in collaboration with Susan G. Komen for the Cure and in partnership with The Suzanne Mubarak Women’s International Peace Movement. In 2008 more than 2,500 individuals, including breast cancer survivor, doctors and researchers, celebrities, ambassadors and journalists attended the BCFE’s Race for the Cure. “More women globally will contract breast cancer than any other form of cancer,” says Mona Zulficar, Chair of the Board of Directors of EFG Hermes. “And for women, only lung cancer has a higher mortality rate. The disease accounts for nearly 19% of all cancer cases in Egypt, yet estimates suggest that just 1% of Egyptian women are aware of its dangers. Raising funds for research will move us towards better treatment, but until we have a cure, only self-examination and knowledge of early detection can save lives.” EFG Hermes’ sponsorship of the Race for the Cure is the latest of its commitments to addressing health-related issues in Egypt. Through the EFG Hermes Foundation, the firm sponsors health and health awareness programs for children and prevalent local diseases such as Hepatitis B and C. Other initiatives include a project that provides two of the most poverty stricken areas in Greater Cairo with four medical convoys; each convoy consists of 12 fully-equipped medical vans and specialized medical teams each serve over one thousand patients with free check-ups, treatment and medication.