Doha, Qatar – The Qatar Cancer Society (QCS), in collaboration with the Student Activity Department at Qatar University (QU), marked World Cancer Day on February 4 under the theme “United and Unique.” The event aimed to highlight the collective commitment of individuals and communities to combating cancer through awareness and prevention efforts.
Raising Awareness and Early Detection
The event featured a comprehensive program designed to enhance public knowledge and understanding of cancer. Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Jabr Al Thani, Chairman of the Qatar Cancer Society, led the opening session. He stressed the importance of community engagement in the fight against cancer. He emphasized that early diagnosis and preventive measures are key in reducing cancer cases.
Sheikh Dr. Khalid also acknowledged Qatar University’s continuous support for QCS initiatives. He recognized its role in fostering awareness, promoting early detection, and dispelling misconceptions about cancer.
Cancer Statistics in Qatar
Providing an overview of cancer prevalence in the country, Sheikh Dr. Khalid stated: “According to the Qatar National Cancer Registry from the Ministry of Public Health, a total of 2,042 new cancer cases were diagnosed in 2020. The five most commonly diagnosed cancers were breast cancer, colon cancer, thyroid cancer, leukemia, and prostate cancer.”
Abdulla Hamid Almulla, Director of Student Activities at Qatar University, highlighted the significance of the event in promoting health awareness among students and the university community. He reiterated that prevention and early detection are crucial in reducing incidence rates. Furthermore, these efforts improve treatment outcomes.
Expert Panel Discussion
The event featured a panel discussion with leading experts in the field, including:
- Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani – Director of the Non-Communicable Disease Prevention Program Department at the Ministry of Public Health
- Dr. Zumin Shi – Professor of Human Nutrition at the College of Health Sciences, Qatar University
- Dr. Rayana Ahmad Bou Haka – WHO Representative
- Margaret Eki Osifo – Cancer Survivor
The session was moderated by Heba Nassar, Head of the Community Health Awareness Department at the Qatar Cancer Society.
Cancer Awareness Competition Winners
As part of the event, QCS announced the winners of its awareness competition. The competition engaged students from schools and universities across Qatar in efforts to highlight cancer prevention and early detection.
University Category:
- First Place: Redab Eltahir (Qatar University)
- Second Place: Basil Ahmed (Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar)
School Category:
- First Place: Philippine School
- Second Place: Beverly Hills International School
- Third Place (tie): MES Indian School & Podar Pearl School
Health Exhibition and Educational Resources
The event also included a health exhibition showcasing the latest resources and information on cancer prevention. Visitors explored materials on early screening, healthy lifestyle choices, and advancements in cancer research.
Through initiatives like this, Qatar Cancer Society continues to drive efforts toward a more informed and proactive community in the fight against cancer.
