The Ministry of Public Health, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) are joining hands today with millions around the world in marking World Cancer Day 2016.
This year’s theme – “We Can – I Can” underlines the fact that everyone in the community from healthcare providers and policy makers to members of the public can play a part in beating cancer.
“Cancer touches everyone in our community in some way,” said HE the Minister of Public Health Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari. “We are well advanced in the implementation of the National Cancer Strategy and this is a reflection of the collaborative effort between healthcare partners and organisations. Everyone can play a part in beating cancer – from the partners in the National Cancer Programme who are developing processes and services to facilitate prevention, early detection and diagnosis, treatment and long-term transitions, to the general public who make a decision every day about their lifestyle.”
“Together ‘We Can’ ensures no one feels alone or unsupported after a cancer diagnosis. We would also like to remind cancer patients and their families that they can ask for support if they need it. All partners in the National Cancer Programme are working together to ensure that cancer support and services in Qatar are accessible and supportive,” added the minister.
World Cancer Day 2016 is also an opportunity for members of the community to take steps to reduce the impact of cancer. For example choosing to eat healthily, stop smoking or educate themselves on the signs and symptoms of cancer.
Another proactive way is to make a pledge to take up breast and bowel cancer screening. ‘Screen for Life’, a life-saving programme, was officially launched this year, promoting education and awareness of the benefits of early detection of cancer in Qatar. The programme aims to save precious lives by encouraging women aged 45 and above with no symptoms to book breast cancer screening through a mammography.
The campaign also calls on both men and women aged 50 and above with no symptoms to undergo bowel cancer screening. This is a simple test which can be undertaken on an annual basis, as recommended by PHCC.
Dr Mariam Ali Abdulmalik, managing director, PHCC, said, “New breast and bowel screening services are now in place so people can be proactive in safeguarding their health.”