The Ministry of Public (MoPH) launched the 2021 Cancer Awareness Calendar yesterday, in a commitment to continue its efforts to promote cancer prevention in the country.
The 2021 Cancer Awareness Calendar was launched during a virtual event held to mark the World Cancer Day 2021 under the theme ‘I am and I will’ to promote awareness of cancer, methods of prevention, and importance of early detection.
“World Cancer Day is a unique day that unites people, communities around the world to raise awareness and implement the required interventions. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted most cancer-related services worldwide. Our commitment for 2021 is that MoPH will continue its efforts to promote health, raise awareness of cancer prevention, and refute and correct misconceptions by continuing to implement various health programmes and projects,” said Public Health Director at MoPH Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani in his opening remarks. The 2021 Cancer Awareness Calendar was launched through a collaboration and partnership between some of country’s leading healthcare institutions working on cancer prevention and treatment. They included the MoPH, HMC, PHCC, Sidra Medicine and Qatar Cancer Society (QCS).
Medical Director of HMC's National Centre for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR), Dr. Mohammed Salem Jaber Al Hassan, said, “To effectively deal with cancer and to significantly decrease its impact, the healthcare system in Qatar provides high-quality care, best possible support, and the best possible patient experience to those diagnosed with cancer.”
“While advances in treatment options such as surgical techniques, screening tests, radiation, chemotherapy and immunotherapy are helping patients live longer while preserving their quality of life, prevention and early detection are the keys to improving patient outcomes,” he added. The 2021 Cancer Awareness Calendar reflects the collaborative efforts of health partners towards achieving the National Cancer Framework Vision 2017-2022and provides an opportunity to unite stakeholders within Qatar to unite their efforts to raise cancer awareness and reduce the burden of cancer on the community in Qatar.
The 2021 Cancer Awareness calendar also identifies months dedicated to cancer awareness based on evidence-based injury data published by the Qatar National Cancer Registry. It also recognizes international days of cancer awareness. This annual calendar will also highlight nationally implemented initiatives. Cancer Screening Programs Manager at PHCC, Dr. Shaikha Abu Shaikha said, “We emphasize the importance of early detection of cancer in its earlier stages to initiate treatment. The adoption of a healthy lifestyle such as exercising and eating a healthy diet may reduce the chance of getting many types of cancers.”
