The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) is actively participating in the Breast Cancer Awareness Month - October,  emphasising the importance of screening in the prevention and effective treatment of the disease.
To reach a wide audience, PHCC has solicited the assistance and co-operation of Qatar’s most popular shopping malls.  PHCC professionals will talk with the public in activation booths in Landmark Mall, City Center and Villaggio Mall.
 These activities, which include lighting the Torch Doha hotel in pink and other branding, promote healthy choices and educate people on the life-saving benefits of breast cancer screening.
Mariam Ali Abdulmalik, managing director of PHCC, said: “PHCC is seriously committed to fulfil its mandate. We aim to raise awareness of breast cancer and how screening saves lives. We are taking full advantage of Breast Cancer Awareness Month to encourage the public to undergo breast cancer screening. We want women to make screening a routine decision — once every three years, as recommended by the Supreme Council of Health.
“The owners and management of the participating malls are making a strong contribution to this public health campaign,” she added.
“They are helping us spread the word about breast cancer screening, which can make a positive impact on the lives of so many residents and their families.”
PHCC was given the authority, under Qatar’s National Cancer Programme, to implement the Breast and Bowel Cancer Screening Programme nationwide. Titled “Screen For Life,” the campaign aligns with Qatar’s new wellness model of healthcare, as outlined in its National Health Strategy (NHS) 2011-2016.
Through the NHS, Qatar is implementing widespread innovations to its entire healthcare system. The NHS emphasises a shift toward preventive and community-based care, which is the driving principle of the National Cancer Programme and PHCC’s population-based screening programme.