Dr Sheikh Khalid bin Jabor Al Thani. Pic: Kammutty VP/ The Peninsula
DOHA: The increase in number of breast cancer cases in Qatar during recent years is similar to other countries, said a senior official yesterday.
Although incidence of breast cancer has increased in Qatar, the numbers haven’t reached an exceptional level, said Dr Sheikh Khalid bin Jabor Al Thani, Chairman of Qatar Cancer Society.
“Even with all the campaigns we have been conducting and all efforts taken to raise awareness about breast cancer, incidence of the disease is on the rise. Many reasons are behind this, including population increase in the country, age factor, environmental reasons and eating habits. But still we are within the normal rates, numbers are similar to elsewhere in the world,” he said, addressing a press meet on ‘Breast Cancer Conference’ to be held next week.
The special conference on breast cancer will be held under the theme ‘present standards and new perspectives’ at Doha Sheraton on October 28 and 29.
The special conference was developed to be of interest to healthcare practitioners from all specialties, and will provide practical information to enhance patient care in the clinic, delivered by top experts in the field of breast cancer.
Around 3,000 local, regional and international experts will discuss various topics related to breast cancer including latest treatments, technologies, methods of prevention, and future prospects of the disease.
“As of now around 2,500 health care professionals have registered as participants and we have invited around 200 regional and international experts to take part in this conference. We will discuss about advanced methods of treatment and prevention. Also, two types of workshops will be held — one will focus on the psychological aspect of the disease and the other will discussion the importance of screening,” said Dr Al Thani.
Accompanying the Breast Cancer Conference will be a specialised healthcare exhibition which is an important opportunity for the health care industry companies to keep attendees abreast of latest innovations in the field of breast cancer care under one roof on an international level.
“Only three cases of breast cancer were found among men within the past 15 years,” said Dr Al Thani.
