Qatar University College of Health Sciences (QU-CHS) hosted its annual breast cancer awareness campaign in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which concluded on Monday.
Themed ‘We can, I can,’ the event witnessed a remarkable contribution from CHS departments, the Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) and Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI).
It aimed to increase community awareness on breast cancer within Qatar, as the country has the third highest rate of the disease in the Gulf region. Breast cancer represents about 20% of all cancer cases according to Qatar National Centre for Cancer Care Research.
As many as 70 CHS students contributed to awareness booths that were set up at the Women’s Science Building atrium to brief students and visitors on early detection, signs and symptoms, and to encourage regular breast examination.
The event included a wide range of student activities such as poster presentations, handmade giveaways, brochures, breast cancer risk assessment and survey, and QCS signature boards, and a seminar presented by QCS health educator Dana Mansour and a workshop by her colleague Heba Nassar on breast cancer early detection and self-examination.
The event also featured a testimony by Bernadite Abellana, a breast cancer fighter, who shared her personal story and highlighted the importance of community support for patients who fight cancer.
CHS dean and QU Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) director Dr Asma al-Thani said that this year’s campaign has been taken to a greater extent by introducing new educational and awareness activities.
CHS associate dean for Academic Affairs and the Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign leader Dr Ahmed Malki said the campaign highlighted the true impact of cohesiveness by connecting various partners to bring their diversified backgrounds and perspectives to Qatar’s community.
“Together with our partners, we shared a range of advices, tips and resources to encourage action in the fight against breast cancer and foster health and wellness.”