Qatar Cancer Society  )QCS) concluded the participation in seventh Gulf joint Cancer Awareness Week, which under the slogan “Your health in your fitness” under the Gulf Union Against Cancer in co-operation with Gulf Centre for Cancer Control and Prevention.

Each year, the first week of February has been approved as a Gulf Cancer Awareness Week that aims to fight risk factors to reduce infection rates, encourage early detection to increase recovery rates, and unify media messages in the GCC.

The Gulf Awareness Week included several programs and activities that QCS launched, the most notably activating the electronic brochure “in all languages ​​..We can ” the workshop was also implemented to build the capacities of cancer awareness promoters, in addition to publishing stories of hope for people living with cancer on many platforms and engaging them in virtual workshops.

Several virtual awareness workshops on cancer, promoting healthy lifestyles in the community, and launching a daily awareness competition on social media.

The GCC Awareness Week was launched on all media platforms, social media, QCS website, YouTube channel, and lighting many of the country’s landmarks in purple about the celebration of the Gulf Awareness Week.

Qatar Cancer Society (QCS), in cooperation with Police Institute for Women, celebrated National Sport Day (NSD) by organising an awareness booth at the institute’s headquarters to spread awareness of the importance of sports and the need to promote healthy lifestyles to prevent diseases, especially cancer.

Mona Ashkanani, general manager of QCS, said: “The celebration of Sport Day comes in light of the state’s keenness to promote the concept of health and safety through its National Vision 2030 and the importance of investing in the human capital and a society whose members enjoy health and wellness.”

She highlighted QCS’ keenness to spread awareness of the importance of sports and enhance its role in the lives of individuals and society in general based on its vision to be a community partnership platform to make Qatar a pioneer in the field of cancer prevention.
This year’s Sport Day is of great importance as it comes months before Qatar hosts the 2022World Cup, a global event that will shift the global attention Qatar.

She called on all members of society to make sports a way of life, as the sports sector represents one of the components of the pillar of health development, which plays a vital role in improving and enhancing the quality of life and the well-being of all who reside in Qatar

Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) and Palm Beach–Promise Fund of Florida organised an international virtual breast and cervical cancer symposium on the challenges and opportunities in the current oncology delivery system in both countries to learn more and discuss the impact of efficient, cost-effective and high-quality cancer care.

Several competent authorities in Qatar and the US participated in the virtual symposium, the first collaboration in a two-year partnership between the two non-profit organisations. The charity’s goal is to develop a long-term strategic connection between the organisations. Both non-profits will seek to collectively improve health education, training and delivery of cancer care charity services in their respective countries. They also strive to improve prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship related to women’s cancer.

HE Nancy Brinker, head of the Promise Fund of Florida team, former ambassador of US, former Chief of Protocol of the US, the World Health Organization’s Goodwill Ambassador for Cancer Control and founding member of Promise Fund; Dr Michael Zinner, chief executive officer and Executive Medical Director at Miami Cancer Institute; and Dr Lillie D Shockney, professor of Breast Cancer and professor of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, attended the event.

Qatar Cancer Society team was headed by Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Jabor Al-Thani as the chairman, with members Mona Ashkanani, general manager; Dr Hadi Mohamad Abu Rasheed, head of professional development and scientific research department, Qatar Cancer Society; and Dr Artefaa Al-Shamari, oncoplastic breast surgeon, Hamad Medical Corporation and honorary ambassador of QCS.

HE Nancy Brinker welcomed the cooperation between the two institutions and the qualitative efforts led by the State of Qatar, represented by QCS, in the field of caring for people living with cancer and providing the best quality and efficient services.

Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Jabor Al Thani welcomed the cooperation with the Promise Fund of Florida, which would leave a lasting impact on people living with cancer, physically and psychologically, and its implications for spreading awareness of cancer and ways to prevent it.
He affirmed QCS’ keenness on cooperation between various parties locally and internationally and keeping pace with the international experiences and expertise to develop its programmes and plans to provide best services to patients. He noted that the charity spares no effort to achieve its vision of the community partnership platform for making Qatar a leader in cancer prevention and its burden control.
“I am proud that the Promise Fund and the Qatar Cancer Society are about to embark on this transformative global partnership.

Both organisations have been leaders in research breakthroughs leading to the eventual curing of breast and cervical cancers. Given the events of the last two years, partnerships like this highlight the importance of global collaboration to achieve public health milestones. As the former US Treasury Attaché to Qatar, I am excited to visit Doha and my Promise Fund colleagues in January 2022 to once again partner with my Qatari friends on issues of global significance,” said Michael Greenwald, Promise Fund of Florida Vice-Chair.

Aiming at supporting, empowering and advocating for people living with cancer, Dr Hala Al-Saeed, a psychotherapist and autism counsellor, launched her book titled ‘Psychological Support for Cancer Patients’. At the launch ceremony, a copy of the book was gifted to Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Jabor Al Thani, chairman of the Board of Directors of Qatar Cancer Society (QCS), and Mrs Mona Ashkanani – General Manager.

The book offers practical advice and guidance to both patients and cancer survivors. It promotes the importance of raising awareness of cancer, methods of prevention, early detection, professional development and scientific research. Sheikh Dr Khalid thanked Dr Al-Saeed for her initiative, revealing the true meaning of social responsibility.

His Excellency said, “We at Qatar Cancer Society always strive to be the community partnership platform for making Qatar a leader in cancer prevention and its burden control.”

HE. welcomed the book, which will be launched from Qatar at the level of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, especially since he is the president of the Gulf Union for Cancer Control.

Regarding the idea of the book, Dr Al-Saeed said, “The idea stemmed from an internal challenge that resulted from the death of my son from cancer, after a journey of suffering that I experienced in several countries while accompanying him for treatment.

We cannot change fate, but we can change society’s perception and highlight the cancer patients and their families and the extent of their suffering during this difficult journey, in which they are in dire need of psychological and social support.” She added.

“I have a plan to print an unlimited number of copies and distribute them in many Gulf and Arab countries. The coming period will witness the translation of this book into English to expand the base of its beneficiaries,” She added.

Qatar Cancer Society “QCS “concluded “Blossom “Campaign to raise awareness about breast cancer which lasted throughout October each year, Which is one of the most common types of cancer among women in Qatar and worldwide.

Mrs. Mona Ashknani, General Manager of Qatar Cancer Society, said “Blossom “ is a national campaign targeted  all Categories  of Qatari society throughout the month and aimed  to emphasize the importance of periodic examination for the early detection and spreading the culture of a healthy lifestyle to prevent it, as well as Highlight the health services available in the State of Qatar, Activating the society’s role in providing psychological and Financial  support to cancer patients, And produce  the experiences of individuals living with cancer,

pointing to that QCS has launched the awareness campaign via its electronic platforms  Within the framework of the preventive measures to limit the spread of Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by broadcasting awareness messages and videos related to the definition of breast cancer, in addition to launching several virtual workshops and many public figures participated in the campaign.

QCS continues to resume attendance in awareness campaigns and programs while adhering to the preventive measures to limit the spread of Covid-19, which targeted  many institutions and ministries of the state, as well as hotels, schools, universities, and health institutions, as well as resuming attendance and participation in many programs, the most important of which is “Our passion in Our Health,” which It targets women who are housewives and workers in different sectors. She added.

Among the activities during “Blossom ” campaign are the “Pink Walk” event in cooperation with the Qatar Motorcycle Center (Batbit), and the “Pink Ride” in cooperation with Qatar Cyclists Centre, under the auspices of Mowasalat (Karwa) as an official sponsor and Floward  Company as co-sponsor  , as well as the launch of “Blossom ” competition to raise awareness of breast cancer on  QCS’s social media sponsored by Doha Bank , Qatar National Bank , Ooredoo . Movenpick Hotel Doha . She added.

Director-General thanked all participating in the campaign, whether through financial support for people living with the disease or supporting awareness programs, including Naseem Al Rabeeh Medical Center, Roche Pharmaceuticals,  in addition to Lulu Hypermarket, Monoprix , Spar , Alfardan  ,  Doha Quest and their launch of the “Shop and Donate” campaign, Careem,  also Ooredoo Stars by donating using loyalty points on the application, Talabat by donating a percentage on some merchandise in the application, beside Al-Darwish jewellery by allocating a group by allocating the proceeds of some sales to the Qatar Cancer Society.

Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) and The Children’s Cancer Centre of Lebanon (CCCL) have joined hands to prevent childhood cancers by awareness-raising about cancer, collaboration, promoting key facts about paediatric oncology symptoms, importance of early detection, diagnoses, treatment and survivorship.

This co-operation comes on the occasion of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month ( September) and emphasising regional networks across borders for childhood cancer control.This is done through sharing the CCCL Bus of Hope film series, produced with the support of UNICEF and Sanofi Espoir, a collection of five simple and engaging short films promoting public awareness about childhood cancer. It is also done by sharing QCS videos to support and empower children living with cancer and social media posts.

Regional collaborations on crucial issues like childhood cancer control are essential to promoting much-needed awareness which helps in early detection, destigmatising cancer, and easing the journey on patients and their families.

The CCCL Bus of Hope films also feature childhood cancer patients, parents, survivors sharing their journey and experiences, alongside animations to convey the facts. The movies are in Arabic with English and French subtitles and suited for audiences of different ages

Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) and S’hail Holding Group have signed an agreement under which the latter will provide financial support of QR100,000 annually for three years to treat needy patients.

The agreement was signed by Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Jabor al-Thani, chairman of QCS, and Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Ahmed al-Thani, member of the Board of Directors, S’hail Holding Group.

Sheikh Dr. Khalid valued the efforts of S’hai Holding Group in charitable and humanitarian work, especially in the health sector, and supporting the awareness efforts carried out by QCS, especially in supporting the treatment of cancer patients through the high costs of treatment for the disease.

HE. stressed that QCS, since its establishment in 1997, has sought not to have a single patient on the support waiting list. QCS has spent over QR19.5mn to treat about 1,317 patients and in the first quarter of 2021 has spent  over  QR 3.5 mn to treat about 981 patients In the National Center for Cancer Care and Research and Sidra Medical Center,

QATAR Cancer Society (QCS) has launched “It’s all about prevention “campaign to raise awareness of colorectal cancer, which  is  the  second common cancer between both genders, first common cancer across men, and third common cancer across females in Qatar.- according to Qatar National Cancer Registry (QNCR) – Ministry of Public Health – 2016:

Dr. Hadi Mohamad Abu Rasheed – Acting Head of Professional Development and Scientific Research Department at QCS, said: More than 150 cases were diagnosed with colon cancer in Qatar, 67% of the cases in Qatar were males and 33% were females, 74% of the cases were Non-Qatari, while 26% were Qatari, 69.9% of colon cancer patients have the chance to survive four years later after getting diagnosed, noted that 55-59 years old was the highest age group with cancer incidences, in both genders. According to Qatar National Cancer Registry (QNCR) – Ministry of Public Health – 2016:

Heba Nassar – Head  Educator ae QCS, said, “This campaign aims to raise awareness about colorectal cancer, which is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the colon or the rectum. Most colorectal cancers begin as a polyp on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Some types of polyps can transform into cancer for several years, but not all polyps become cancer.”

The campaign included many events and virtual workshops that were launched on the media platforms, many entities participated in it, most notably the National Cancer Program, the Ministry of Public  Health, Hamad Medical Corporation, and the Primary Health Care Corporation, as well as cooperation with many experts and specialists as Mrs. Khawla Al-Bahr – public health expert, Mrs. Dana Hassan-  therapeutic nutrition specialist and Dr. Michael Mallat (Gastrointestinal specialist diseases), as well as the participation of people living with cancer in awareness workshops, and publishing their survival stories on various platforms. She added.

The campaign also witnessed the launch “It’s all about prevention “challenge by encouraging employees to prepare a healthy lunchbox during working hours and taking a picture for three healthy boxes then sharing them on QCS’ social media; the winners are the employees of  QATAR LUXURY COMPANY WLL, Lulu hypermarket, Al Asmakh Real Estate Development Company, S’hail Holding Group.

She stressed the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle to prevent cancer, the most important of which is an exercise through getting 30  minutes of aerobic activity every day; limit your consumption of red meat. Studies show that bowel cancer risk is 17-30 % percent higher if a person eats 100-120g of red meat every day. Decrease portions or choose chicken or fish instead,” She said .”Besides, eat more fruits and vegetables.”

Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) has concluded the ‘I am and I will’ campaign, which continued throughout February on the occasion of the World Cancer Day and saw several events, awareness competitions and virtual workshops being held to raise awareness of cancer, methods of prevention and the importance of early detection.The campaign, launched under the umbrella of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) in which the QCS is a member, included many events and activities, most notably a motorbike event at Lusail in co-operation with Qatar Motorcycle Center (Batabit) and MAWATER Center. In addition, a virtual walking challenge and short story and educational video competitions for school and universities students were also part of the campaign. Within the framework of the preventive measures to limit the spread of the coronavirus, the campaign was launched on various media and electronic platforms.

Several awareness videos for the campaign were produced with the participation of media figure Abdulrahman Al Ashqar. Virtual awareness workshops about cancer and on healthy lifestyles were also held. Electronic awareness brochures were produced in all main languages to benefit as many people as possible. Even coffee cups in cafes and restaurants were used to spread awareness message.
A virtual workshop for capacity building of cancer awareness promoters was also held as part of the events. The QCS participated in a virtual seminar on World Cancer Day in cooperation with the Ministry of Public Health’s National Cancer Programme, Hamad Medical Corporation, Primary Health Care Corporation and Sidra Medicine.An awareness workshop was organised on how to overcome the fears during the treatment period and beyond for people living with breast cancer, in addition to publishing stories of hope on many platforms and involving cancer survivors in virtual workshops.Many institutions and companies in Qatar participated in the World Cancer Day campaign, including Ooredoo, QTerminals, Talabat, FMM, Triple Two, the Social and Sport Contribution Fund (Daam), Qatar Aluminum and Doha Film Institute.The campaign also included roadside advertisements supported by Elan Qatar WLL and lighting up of Qatar’s landmarks in pink to mark the World Cancer Day, in cooperation with the Public Works Authority (Ashghal).As part of the campaign, Talabat donated one riyal to QCS for all orders placed via its mobile application, Ooredoo enabled its customers to donate Nojoom points to QCS, while Yalla Toys participated in the campaign by offering 100 electronic gift vouchers for children with cancer.

Aamal Company (Aamal), one of Qatar’s leading diversified companies, and Qatar Cancer Society (QCS), a charitable association that focuses on implementing awareness and prevention programmes aimed at raising awareness about cancer among the community and healthcare employees, have signed a co-operation agreement.

The agreement will see Aamal provide financial support to QCS to help support cancer treatment for patients who cannot afford it otherwise and see Aamal work with QCS to prevent cancer, develop early detection processes, and support and empower those fighting cancer, according to a press statement.

The agreement to raise cancer awareness in the community and support fighting it as much as possible in order to mitigate its effects and prevent it was signed by HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani, chairman of Aamal; and HE Dr Sheikh Khaled bin Jabor al-Thani, chairman of QCS.

HE Sheikh Faisal said, “It gives me great pleasure to witness this agreement with Qatar Cancer Society, such an important national institution specialised in spreading awareness of cancer, and a great support for those who are fighting it. QCS is well known in our society for its professional development programme and scientific research. We hope this co-operation will be the beginning of a productive and sustainable relationship for all parties.

“Aamal is always keen to play an active part in society, supporting our mission of seeking a better society, investing in human capital and developing scientific research and innovative methods in all fields.”

“At Aamal, we appreciate the important role played by QCS through awareness programmes that are transparent and have a clear value in increasing cancer awareness across the entire community, especially through the QCS educational centre, which is the first of its kind in the region. We are also very aware of the importance of partnerships between various sectors in our society in order to prominently position Qatar globally in the field of cancer prevention and mitigation, strengthening the role of the private sector in supporting the private sector’s social responsibility and delivering its message based on the health and safety of individuals,” he added.

HE Sheikh Faisal also affirmed Aamal’s willingness to continue this productive relationship with QCS in a way that contributes to the education of the community about cancer and empowers people to survive it. Aamal also aims to ensure that all important programmes reach all groups of the community through building its long-term relationship with QCS.

HE Dr Sheikh Khaled expressed gratitude to Aamal and HE Sheikh Faisal for their efforts to benefit society, especially in supporting cancer patients, and his wish that all institutions join hands to reduce the burden of this disease and its high treatment costs, indicating that the partnership between both parties will strengthen the concerted continuous efforts to combat cancer.

HE Dr Sheikh Khaled also indicated that the co-operation agreement between Aamal and QCS comes from their roles in serving society and that “this effective partnership to achieve goals and unite efforts for the benefit of all members of society is considered our top priority of our strategies and efforts towards achieving Qatar National Vision 2030”.

The chairman of QCS considers this co-operation to be an important base for a strong future partnership that contributes to achieving QCS’s vision and mission to become the community’s partnerships’ platform that leads Qatar forward in cancer prevention and the mitigation of its effects, through working with partners to raise community awareness, support and empower patients, and enable professional development and cancer research, with the objective that this co-operation will continue in the interest of the society and the nation.