Doha: Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) concluded its “Be sun smart” campaign which raised awareness about skin cancer. The event emphasised the importance of following precautions when exposed to sunlight, noting that UV radiation is the most important risk factor for skin cancer and skin nailing devices.
QCS Scientific Advisor, Dr. Hadi Mohamad Abu Rasheed said: “There are two types of skin cancer, melanoma and non-melanoma; that is the eighth-most newly diagnosed cancer among men and ninth most freshly diagnosed cancer among women in Qatar in 2018, according to Qatar National Cancer Registry (QNCR) - Ministry of Public Health – 2018.”
“There were 21 cases newly diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer in Qatar, 52 percent of these patients were males, and 48 percent were females, 55-59 years old were the highest age group with melanoma skin cancer. Regarding melanoma, there were 77 patients newly diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer in Qatar, 62 percent of these patients were males, and 38 percent were females, and 50-54 years old was the highest age group with non-melanoma skin cancer incidences,” he explained.
Nour Hammad, QCS Health Educator said: “There are more risk factors for skin cancer as chemicals exposure, especially at the workplace. Skin cancer is much higher for people with fair (light-coloured) skin than for dark-skinned. Also, Infection with certain types of HPV, particularly those that affect the anal or genital area, may increase skin cancer risks.”
