National Oncology Centre, Oman: Series of measures to assess risks for all patients in light of the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic
Jul 25 2020
The National Oncology Center is one of the centers in the Royal Hospital, which provides specialized treatment services in the field of oncology, and the center contains several departments, namely, the Adult Oncology Department, the Radiation Therapy Department, the Hematology and Pediatric Oncology Department, the Adult Hematology Department, the Nursing Department and the Pharmacy Department.
A series of measures were adopted based on a risk assessment of each patient, whereby social distancing was practiced by delaying non-urgent appointments or communicating with the patient through virtual clinics, and by delaying unnecessary assessments.
On the impact of health variables on oncology patients, Al-Bahrani stressed that the most important health variables in light of the Corona COVID-19 pandemic are expected to increase the incidence of cancer and a relative increase in the advanced stages of the disease as a result of its negative impact on awareness and early detection, as well as delay in diagnosis, surgeries and referring patients to the center. Many people currently live with symptoms of cancer and are not diagnosed with the Corona pandemic, which may lead to the development of their disease. Many patients currently avoid visiting doctors’ offices due to fear of catching the Coronavirus, as it is possible for a wave of late-diagnosed cancers to accumulate too late.
Bahrain society distributes COVID-19
protection kits to kids with cancer
12-May-2020
MANAMA
— “Smile”, an initiative of Bahrain's Future Society for Youth, which provides
psycho-social support to children with cancer and their parents in the Kingdom
of Bahrain, continued its in-kind support to sick children and their families
who are affiliated with the initiative by distributing protective kits to fight
the spread of coronavirus.
Volunteers of the "Smile" initiative work to deliver this aid to the homes of
sick children in different areas of Bahrain's cities, villages and regions, with
an explanation of how to use it in the right way. The volunteers do their best
to ensure the full implementation of the health and preventive measures for
coronavirus. They gather in small teams that sterilize the kits during the
packaging and distributing and advise the parents how to use these kits
correctly.
According to an emergency plan that was activated by the board of directors for
the current stage, the initiative has suspended all group activities, fearing
for the health of sick children, and its employees have moved to work from home
with a hotline for parents to communicate with the initiative and obtain
psychological and social support services.
Helping cancer patients by donating to Ramadan Zakat campaign
27-April 2020
Sharjah: UAE-based non-profit organization Friends of Cancer
Patients (FOCP) recently launched its eighth annual ‘I Deserve a Life’ Ramadan
Zakat campaign, aimed at raising funds to help cancer patients who cannot afford
the high cost of treatment.
The
campaign will have options to enable donors to make their contributions online,
in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The campaign, which was first launched in 2013, has so far
collected Dh6.854 million and supported treatment for 1,320 patients, including
their chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgical procedures and other urgent expenses
during the early stages of treatment and care.
“Many of the patients have recovered and gone on to lead
normal productive lives. Others who required long-term treatment and support
were also given loving care till they recovered fully and were rehabilitated,”
FoCP said in a statement.
Oman Cancer Association (OCA) will host the next World Cancer Congress on 19 – 22 October, 2020
The
Oman Cancer Association (OCA) will host the next World Cancer Congress on 19 –
22 October, 2020. This will be the first time that the Congress will be held in
MENA-EMRO region
‘The Way Forward’ is the theme for the 2020 World Cancer Congress, highlighting the need for the region to work towards a future free from cancer.
The program will be comprehensive and geared to address pressing issues in cancer control regionally and internationally, from prevention to treatment and palliation. It will lay a solid foundation for knowledge exchange, best practices and experience-sharing and, take a deep dive into the role and impact of advocacy and social enterprises in complimenting the work of the government and private sectors in driving a patient-centered strategy. Muscat’s commitment to health and hospitality is the perfect landscape for this event. Mark your calendars for 19-22 October 2020 and join the 2020 World Cancer Congress in Muscat. For more information, visit: www.worldcancercongress.org or the Oman Cancer Association website at www.oca.com
FOCP Highlights its achievements at the Third Combined Gulf Cancer Conference in the Kingdom of Bahrain
Friends
Of Cancer Patients (FOCP), a charitable institution in the UAE dedicated to
support the treatment of cancer patients as well as raising awareness about the
importance of early detection of cancer, has participated in the third edition
of the Combined Gulf Cancer Conference, organized by the Bahrain Cancer Society
under the umbrella of the Gulf Federation for Cancer Control (GFFCC) and Gulf
Centre for Cancer Control & Prevention.
FOCP’s participation stemmed from its commitment to participate in both regional and international events dedicated to raising awareness of cancer prevention and the latest innovation in treatment. The third edition of the conference was held under the theme, ‘Quality Care: New Horizons’, and offered delegates the opportunity to learn from the knowledge and experience of a host of internationally renowned experts. It aims to support health systems in the Gulf region with a focus on early detection and research, especially in breast, colon and rectal cancers.
WHO: 35,000 people dying of cancer in Yemen
Sep 4, 2019.
At least 35,000 people in Yemen are facing an early death due to the lack of
adequate cancer treatment, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported. “Cancer
could be a death sentence in Yemen unless treated,” the WHO wrote on its twitter
account. “An estimated 35K people will die from cancer if treatment is no longer
provided as a consequence of no funding. No more cancer treatment drastically
increases the number of lives that will be lost to this disease.” Around 12 per
cent of those suffering from cancer are children, added the organization.
Yemen has been embroiled in an armed conflict since 2014 which contributed to the creation of a humanitarian catastrophe in the country. Millions of people face starvation, malnutrition, lack of access to clean water and shortages of medicines and medical supplies, while health centres have been closed due to the war.
Cancer third leading cause of death in UAE
July 7, 2019.
A report released last week has revealed that in 2015, the third leading cause
of death in the UAE was cancer (after circulatory system diseases and injuries).
Of the 8,755 deaths reported in the year, 867 (9.9 per cent) were claimed by
cancer. According to the second annual statistical report of the UAE National
Cancer Registry that collated data for 2015, breast cancer was the leading cause
of cancer deaths (113), while malignant of trachea bronchus and lung cancer was
reported as the second leading cause with 104 deaths. About 87.3 per 100,000
females in the UAE are afflicted with a type of cancer. Overall, the crude
incidence rate of the cancers was 43.3/100,000 for females and 27.2/100,000 for
the males. Officials said the data was "likely to be more or less"
representative of the year 2018. "The UAE is in the midst of a war on
non-communicable diseases (NCDs)," said Dr Mohamed Salim Al Olama,
Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health and Prevention. "This document will
throw light on the cancer burden in the country."
Cooperation between ESTRO and GFFCC
This cooperation would enhance the opportunities of GFFCC member associations,
particularly oncologists in the gulf region, to participate in clinical research
exchanges; encourage GCC oncologists to become ESTRO members, etc. ESTRO on the
other hand would participate in annual gulf conferences by providing lectures,
share experiences and provide technical support for physicists like calibration
of medical equipment, etc.
Participants to the ESTRO-GFFCC cooperation meeting in
Milan, Italy
Morocco
becomes a member-observer of the Gulf Cooperation Council
His Excellency the Minister of Health in the Kingdom of Morocco, Dr. Anas
Doukali, received a delegation from the General Secretariat of the Gulf
Cooperation Council (GCC) who visited to discuss the efforts of the Kingdom of
Morocco in combatting cancer. The visit comes as Morocco became a
member-observer of the GCC.
T
he delegation of the GCC is composed of Mr. Mohsen Mubarak Al Dosari, Director
of Health Department of the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council
(GCC), Dr. Ali Al Zahrani, Executive Director of the Gulf Center for Cancer
Control and Prevention, Dr. Khaled Ahmed Al Saleh, Secretary General of the Gulf
Federation for Cancer Control and a member of the Advisory Council of the GCCCP;
and Mr. Abdulaziz Fahad Al-Hamoud, Head of Health Affairs Department, Department
of Health, General Secretariat of the GCC.
The GCC delegation will visit the Directorate of Epidemiology and Disease
Control for the National Plan for Prevention and Combating Cancer, as well as
the Lalla Salma Foundation for Prevention and Treatment of Cancer and the
National Institute of Moulay Abdullah for Oncology.
CAN Kuwait launches campaign to raise awareness on breast
cancer
1 October 2018
(KUNA) – Kuwait’s National CAN Campaign has launched its
annual Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign under the slogan "You deserve it" in
partnership with the Kuwaiti Women's Volunteer Society for Community Service and
Development. "The campaign will continue throughout October," said campaign
member Dr. Hessa Al Shaheen at a press conference and will include a series of
events across the country's six governorates.
She pointed out that the
cooperation between CAN and the Kuwaiti Women's Voluntary Society for the
service and development of society is the first of the many new activities and
campaigns during the coming period characterized by great diversity as it
carries many surprises that will be announced continuously throughout the month
via the website of the campaign or the accounts in various social networking
sites.
She explained that the
breast cancer campaign achieved last year a great success and included many
awareness events in cooperation with several public and private institutions.
She stressed CAN's keenness to raise awareness of all types of cancers through
activities throughout the year, explaining that breast cancer has always been
given special attention.
For her part, the
Chairperson of the Kuwaiti Women's Volunteer Society for Community Service and
Development Sheikha Fadia Al-Sabah said in a similar speech during the
conference that she is very glad in the cooperation with CAM Campaign, stressing
that the community is also responsible for health awareness. Sheikha Fadia
Al-Sabah added that the society should also be an initiator, noting that it is
from this principle that we start participating in such events.
For his part, the
chairman of the CAN Campaign Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Awadhi stressed during the
conference that the principle of "prevention is better than cure" applies to all
diseases, especially cancer, which if detected early, has a higher cure rate.
Dr. Al-Awadhi added that the campaign has succeeded in achieving great
achievements in the field of awareness of cancer diseases, including breast
cancer, where it was able to train more than 80,000 high school students on
self-examination for themselves.
Dr. Khalid Al-Saleh, Deputy Chairman of
the CAN Campaign, said that the annual report of the Kuwait Cancer Control
Center showed an improvement in the rate of cancer cure due to improved early
detection which is well suited to breast cancer. The CAN National Campaign was
launched in 2006 and seeks to combat cancer through awareness of various types
of cancer and encourages early detection to improve the rates of cure and
recovery.
https://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2748904&language=ar
Fighting Breast Cancer with Walking
20
October 2018
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the
Bahrain Cancer Society Dr. Abdulrahman Fakhro said that cancer
affects between 40 and 45 cases of every 100 thousand cases,
noting that breast cancer is the most common cancer in Bahrainis
in general. This is the rationale for the "Manama ... Pink City"
event, where the association organized a walking event yesterday
in Awali, the "annual marathon" to start awareness activities
that will continue throughout October.
Dr. Fakhro pointed out that the Bahrain
Cancer Socity organized many events in October which coincides
with the global initiative to raise awareness of breast cancer,
to highlight the fight against the disease, and to motivate
women to carry out early detection tests.
Dr. Fakhro explained in a statement that the
association organized more than 10 different events throughout
October, including lectures and seminars and the distribution of
brochures and educational info materials on cancer; to raise
awareness among citizens and residents about the importance of
regular checks and the importance of sports/exercise that makes
a difference in the life of the individual and society.
Dr. Fakhro added that the association
provided the Ministry of Health with sophisticated cancer
detection devices, which cost one million dinars. He stressed
that all donations received by the society, or received from
donors and volunteers during its activities, are used to treat
and fight cancer among different segments of society.
For her part, co-founder of the voluntary
community campaign "Obesity Not to Qualify" consultant Dr.
Kawthar Eid and her volunteer team were present to support
cancer patients and to activate community partnership.
Dr. Eid said that early examination means
early treatment at the first stages of the disease, and that
means healing by up to 90% of the cases, noting that the
effectiveness of walking today is to raise awareness of the
importance of physical activity and to prevent the incidence of
noncommunicable diseases, including cancer, Scientific research
indicates that physical activity protects against breast cancer.
HH the Amir received the Chairman and members of the Board of Directors of CAN Campaign Kuwait
May 30, 2018
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah
received the Board of Directors of the CAN Campaign in Kuwait led by Dr.
Abdulrahman Al- Awadi, Chairman of the Board, Dr. Khalid Ahmed Al Saleh, Vice
President, Dr. Rashid Al-Hamad and Dr. Ali Al-Saif. They presented to His
Highness the Amir the annual report of CAN Campaign which is under the auspices
of His Highness the Amir for the last six years. His Highness thanked them for
their efforts in the campaign against cancer and the promotion of healthy
lifestyle which has benefitted the citizens and residents of the State of
Kuwait. On the same occasion, they presented a memento to express their deep
gratitude to His Highness the Amir for his support to awareness activities and
belief in the importance of public health.
http://cancampaignkw.com/5718
QCS campaign calls for early detection of bowel cancer
26 Jul 2018
DOHA:
Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) in cooperation with Primary Health Care Corporation
(PHCC) has launched a campaign to encourage the early detection of bowel cancer
as part of the ‘Screen for Life’ national programme. Dr. Khalid bin Jabor Al
Thani, Chairman of QCS, visited the bowel cancer screening suite at Leabaib
health centre. Bowel cancer screening targets men and women aged 50 to 74 years.
Dr. Al Thani said that the new campaign aims to spread and promote the culture
of early detection of bowel cancer which is one of the most common cancers in
Qatar. Dr. Al Thani also called individuals between the age of 50 and 74 years
take early screening for bowel screening. Further, according to Dr. Al Thani,
the positive impact of continuous awareness activities about prevention and
early detection of different types of cancers could be seen in another three
years of time.
https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/26/07/2018/QCScampaign- calls-for-early-detection-of-bowel-cancer
Health forum launches ‘Every Voice Matters’ cancer initiative
July 25, 2018 RIYADH — Around the world, men’s life expectancy continues to be lower compared to women, in part due to them being less likely to visit a doctor. For men, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in the world and third most common in Saudi Arabia. Currently more than 8% of the Kingdom’s population is over the age of 55 - within the age group at risk of prostate cancer - this number is expected to increase as the population continues to age.
The
current knowledge gap in patient care was addressed during a panel discussion
‘Understanding Prostate Cancer patient needs’ held during the Arab League for
Patients Organizations Forum in Egypt. The forum also saw the launch of the
‘Every Voice Matters’ initiative. ‘Every Voice Matters’ aims to give prostate
cancer patients a voice, so that their needs are heard and understood. The MENA
wide initiative is endorsed by medical societies and patient organizations from
across the region including Saudi Cancer Foundation (KSA); Saudi Urology
Association (KSA); Emirates Urology Society (UAE); Friends of Cancer Patients
(UAE); Egyptian Urology Association (Egypt); Can Survive (Egypt), Lebanese
Medical Oncology Society (Lebanon); and Lebanese Urology Society (Lebanon).
During Phase one of the initiative, a prostate cancer patient survey will be
conducted by IPSOS (independent research agency) in Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, UAE,
and Egypt. The results are expected to be announced by November 2018. Phase two
of the initiative will see cross industry collaboration and activities to
address needs identified by the survey.
Dr. Mohamed Elsayes, Medical Director of Saudi Cancer Foundation said: “Our key mission is to raise awareness of cancer and fight cancer on all fronts through all possible direct and indirect channels. We believe that understanding patients’ needs will allow us to drive action in the right direction to meet those needs.”
“The cancer care ecosystem is complex involving many stakeholders – treating physicians, patients’ family and friends, patient organizations, government and pharmaceutical companies - who often don’t engage with the patient directly or collaborate among themselves.” Dr. Elsayes elaborating the benefits of ‘Every Voice Matters’ initiative, said: “Having data driven insights of what prostate cancer patients need the most we will allow us to identify areas for collaboration among all stakeholders and to advance patient care.”
‘Every Voice Matters’ gives patients the opportunity to share their story on how prostate cancer has affected their life, so men fighting the disease can receive the support that they need.
2nd Gulf Cancer Conference Kicks-off in Riyadh
March 27, Riyadh
The second Gulf conference on cancer started on Tuesday in the Saudi capital, with the participation of 12 experts representing some international institutions and organizations specialized in cancer treatment.
The
three-day conference, which also features 27 Gulf and Saudi experts from
different sectors, aims to boost cooperation among several Gulf health
institutions on care programs for cancer patients and building national
capabilities.
The three-day conference, which also features 27 Gulf and Saudi experts from
different sectors, aims to boost cooperation among several Gulf health
institutions on care programs for cancer patients and building national
capabilities. In a recorded speech during the opening of the congress, Majid
al-Fayyad, general supervisor of the general establishment of King Faisal
Specialist Hospital and Research Center, said that GCC health and medical
institutions are concerned about increased cancer cases in GCC member states.
Most cases are diagnosed in advanced stages, he added, indicating that cancer
cases in the Gulf region are expected to double in the next ten years due to
change in lifestyle and increased risks of smoking, obesity, inactivity and
others. He called for quickly adopting an effective plan by GCC health
institutions to respond to these indicators and translate challenges into
investment in the programs of preventive health, early detection stages and
healthcare. He stated that evidence and scientific research indicate that 40
percent of cancer diseases can be cured, if the disease is detected in its early
stages. He noted that 90 percent of breast and colon cancer, the most common in
GCC states, is treated if the diseases are detected early.
Secretary General of the Gulf Federation for Cancer Control (GFFCC) Khaled Al-Saleh said in a speech at the event that about 8.8 million people die every year from cancer. According to the recent statistics by the World Health Organization about 14 million people were diagnosed with cancer in 2012. He stressed the importance of developing programs for implementing some societal initiatives on the early detection stages of cancer and conducting surveys. He also recommended people to avoid causes which lead to cancer that include smoking, unhealthy behavior and others.
https://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2705420&Language=en
The
conference was organized by the Kuwait Cancer Control Center under the patronage
of H.E. the Minister of Health, Dr. Basel H. Al Sabah. A series of special
lectures by international and regional oncology experts presented their latest
studies and updates on these two cancer topics. It was also during this occasion
that H.E. Dr. Abdul Rahman Al Awadi, Chair of Kuwait Cancer Society and Smoking
Prevention, was awarded the “symbol of cancer awareness” as a recognition to his
long and unwavering work in promoting cancer prevention and awareness in Kuwait
and in the region.
Pink Caravan ride for breast cancer awareness begins end of February
January 10, 2018, Sharjah:
Organizers
of the Pink Caravan Ride, the UAE's most important and extensive annual cancer
awareness campaign have confirmed that the eighth edition of the event will take
place from February 28 until March 6.
The nationwide
initiative by the Friends of Cancer Patients (FoCP), which promotes the
importance of early detection of breast cancer, will set off around the UAE on a
seven-day mission to offer free health advice and medical screenings to all
members of the community.
This year, the Pink
Caravan Ride will be condensed and intensified into one day for each of the
seven emirates, sharing its message of awareness across the country. The ride
will travel with highly-trained medical teams with specialist knowledge of
cancer detection and the most contemporary methods and equipment of identifying
the disease.
The Pink Caravan's
efforts have contributed to dispelling misconceptions surrounding breast cancer,
and encouraging thousands of women and men from across the UAE to be part of
early detection examinations. It has also contributed to breaking down the
barriers of fear and embarrassment, making breast cancer a community concern
engaging all segments of society in combating it.
Sheikha Jawaher bint
Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, founder and Royal Patron of
FoCP, International Ambassador for the World Cancer Declaration of the Union for
International Cancer Control (UICC) said: "This humanitarian initiative has
contributed to dispersing the myths of cancer. The Pink Caravan has reached an
enormous amount of people living in the UAE and is one of the most successful
drives in combating breast cancer. The campaign will continue to provide free
medical check-ups and help patients, not only during the seven-day nationwide
tour, but throughout the year."
She called on the civil
community, private and public sectors to participate in the ride and make every
possible effort to continue its success.
Over the past seven
years, the Pink Caravan has travelled 1,640 kilometers across the seven
emirates, with more than 490 riders and 700 volunteers who worked for over
200,000 volunteer hours - the equivalent of 23 years of non-stop work.
The Pink Caravan has also
conducted lectures and workshops in 87 schools and provided free clinical
examinations to 48,874 Emiratis and residents, including 9,643 men.
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/nation/pink-caravan-ride-for-breast-cancer-awareness-begins-feb-end
His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan
Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi inaugurates 2nd Global NCD Alliance Forum 2017
December 10, 2017
Sharjah: The Second Global NCD (Non-Communicable Diseases) Alliance Forum 2017”
was inaugurated by His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, UAE
Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah on Saturday afternoon at the Al
Jawaher Reception & Convention Centre.
The
international summit with 350 delegates, mostly civil society members and from
the non-government organizations in 68 countries, is under the directives and
patronage of Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, founder and royal patron
of the Friends of Cancer Patients and patron of Global NCD Alliance Forum. The
theme is of the forum is “Stepping Up the Pace on NCDs: Making 2018 Count.” In
his inaugural speech, Sheikh Sultan repeatedly acknowledged the big help of the
civil society in letting governments of their respective countries be more
conscious and more active in promoting health of the people against NCDs. Sheikh
Sultan highlighted the urgent need to hold an international gathering of
like-minded individuals from across the globe, saying that NCDs have become a
burden to each and every country, adding that current records have shown that
globally, topping the list is cancer with 100 million people affected with 15
million deaths per year.
Relating cancer to excessive tobacco use, Sheikh Sultan said it was two years
back that Sharjah led in the prohibition of smoking in public places such as
workplaces and cafes. Following cancer is obesity and for this, the Ruler of
Sharjah mentioned that soon, the emirate will be rolling out air-conditioned
walkways so that even in the hottest five months of the year, residents and
visitors would be able to jog or walk around the city for health as rubber-paved
pathways have been provided for already. It was 32 years ago when Sharjah banned
alcohol, the third leading cause of NCDs. Sheikh Sultan said all the
achievements could not have been accomplished without the help of the civil
society. NCD Alliance president Jose Luis Castro said the constant ballooning of
the NCDs on the global scale is a “global tsunami” sparing no country nor
government, adding that its socio-economic cost hit $7 trillion, equivalent to
the combined gross domestic product of France, India and Brazil in 2016. World
Health Organization - High Level Commission co-chairman and former Pakistan
health minister Dr. Sania Nishtar said the sordid plight of the poor, the sick
and the hungry across the globe could only be mitigated through a leadership
committed to erase these conditions. She said the Sharjah leadership is an
exemplary example of that leadership. The summit is in preparation to the Sept.
2018 high level meeting at the United Nations wherein all countries and
governments will be requested to report on how they have tackled NCDs in
relation to the sustainable goals of the international body. Sharjah hosted the
first convention of the NCD forum in 2015 from where recommendations from the
delegates was later known as the Sharjah Declaration.
Sourced and edited from:
http://gulftoday.ae/
National campaign for breast cancer awareness
launched in Riyadh
14 October 2017
Riyadh: Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar on Friday held a ceremony to launch
the national campaign for breast cancer awareness titled “Minutes can be
transformed into years” organized by Zahra Breast Cancer Association, in
cooperation with many governmental and non-governmental bodies. The ceremony was
held at the Saudi Electricity Co. (SEC) Club.
Princess Haifa
Al-Faisal, Chairwoman of the Zahra
Association, stressed the importance of early
detection of breast cancer. The secret of Zahra’s success is the cooperation and
coordination between the public and private sectors, she added. She signed four
agreements, in the presence of Prince Faisal, between the association and King
Abdullah Hospital, the Saudi National Committee for Mental Health Promotion, the
Saudi Physical Therapy Association, and the Saleh Al-Alyan Organization. Prince
Faisal said: “We appreciate the important work of the Zahra Association and I am
happy to see such an organization, so I call on Princess Haifa and the fellow
board members to continue their work, and I ask patients to cooperate with the
association for their own interest.” Meanwhile, the fight against cancer in
women will top the agenda of the Ministry of Health during its participation in
the global health awareness program to be launched in the Kingdom shortly.
According to an official from the ministry, creating awareness on the prevention
of cancer will be a priority because of the increasing incidence of the disease
in the Kingdom. He added that the program will include several activities and
awareness programs through social networking sites, malls, public places and
parks. Patients detected with breast cancer in the early stages through
mammogram tests have a 95 percent chance of recovery from the disease. He
explained that the target group for mammogram tests includes women who are above
the age 40, or are 30 to 40 years of age if the woman has a family history of
the disease.
Sourced and edited from:
http://www.arabnews.com/
Saudi archaeological site lit in pink for breast
cancer awareness month
8 October 2017
The archaeological site Mada’in Saleh within the Province of Al-Madinah was
bathed in pink lights to support awareness campaigns during breast cancer month.
The health
sector in the governorate of Al-Ula, where Mada’in is located,
launched several
events for raising awareness for early detection of breast cancer under the
title of “Complete your battles”. The campaign targets awareness and prevention
of breast cancer risks. According to international studies, one out of eight
women suffer from the disease, and 95 percent of these cases can be cured if
diagnosed early.
Sourced and edited from:
http://english.alarabiya.net
KIB sponsors Al-Sidra Association’s breast cancer
awareness campaign
Oct. 16, 2017
Kuwait: In commemoration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Kuwait International
Bank (KIB) announced its sponsorship of the awareness campaign organized by
Al-Sidra Association for Psychological Care of Cancer Patients, which is taking
place throughout the month of October. This sponsorship comes as part of the
Bank’s expansive breast cancer awareness campaign, as well as its long-standing
strategic partnership with Al-Sidra Association.
Oman to host 2020 World Cancer
Congress
May 16, 2017
Muscat: In October 2020, Oman will host up to 4,000 cancer control experts from
more than 140 countries at the World Cancer Congress, and the World Cancer
Leaders’ Summit, winning their bid over Sao Paulo, Brazil.
“The Oman Cancer Association (OCA) and its partner the National Oncology Centre
are proud to announce, on behalf of its associates the Oman Convention Bureau
and the Oman Convection and Exhibition Centre, the winning of the bid for the
2020 UICC (International Union for Cancer Control) Congress and the 2020 World
Cancer Leaders’ Summit in Muscat, Oman,” said Dr. Wahid Al Kharusi, chairperson
of the Oman Cancer Association, recently.
OCA
will sign the contract for this prestigious World Congress on behalf of its
partners and associates within a few days, where six heads of states are also
expected to attend. “This congress
was awarded to Oman due to a number of
positive criteria-The Global recognition of the work of the Oman Cancer
Association nationally, regionally and globally, especially its active work in
the International Cancer Prevention Consortium (ICPC),” Said Al Kharusi.
UICC is a highly globally reputed organization that is registered with the
United Nations and represents more than 140 member countries, with its
headquarters in Geneva. OCA and the National Oncology Centre are fulltime
members of the UICC.
According to Dr. Zahid Al Madhari, senior consultant at the Oncology Department
in the Royal Hospital, “One of the main reasons of the congress being held in
Oman is that we have different sets of challenges in the region than the western
world. “This is the first time the congress is happening in the Middle East or
even this region as a whole, so we will work together with some of the
neighboring countries to focus on tackling some of these challenges.”
The bid was submitted by OCA President Al Kharusi, Dr. Basem Al Bahrani,
director and Dr. Zahid Al Mandhari, deputy director at the National Oncology
Centre, with the support of Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Obaid Al Saidi, minister of
Health for of Oman.
http://timesofoman.com/article/109196/Oman/Health/
Oman-to-host-2020-World-Cancer-Congres
The Ministry of Health &
Prevention Signs an Agreement with the Friends of Cancer Society to Strengthen
the National Breast Cancer Registry
4 June 2017
The Ministry of Health & Prevention (MOHAP) signed a solution level contract
with the Friends of Cancer Patients to strengthen institutional teamwork in
research and data to establish UAE’s National Cancer registry. The contract was
authorized at the Ministry’s head office in Dubai by Dr. Hussein Abdel-Rahman Al
Rand, Assistant Undersecretary of MOHAP’s Health Centers and Clinics Field, and
H.E. Sawsan Al Fahoum Jafar, Chairman of the Board, Friends of Patients Society.
Dr.
Al-Rand highlighted the importance of the contract, as part of efforts to
reinforce community collaborations between private companies and civil society
organizations to achieve teamwork in the fight against breast cancer.
MOHAP released the ‘Itmenan’ initiative to decrease the number of deaths from
cancer. Through the initiative, the Ministry has successfully lowered cancer
deaths from 99 to 64.2 per 100,000 population.
The contract was signed to enhance the UAE’s National Cancer Registry and
achieve key efficiency indicators. H.E. Sawsan Al Fahoum Jafar emphasized the
crucial role of the contract to enhance the National Cancer Registry, by
enhancing the cooperation to fight breast cancer, and to encourage everyone for
support the project.
http://www.dayofdubai.com/news/ministry-healthprevention-
signs-agreement-friends-cancer-societystrengthen- national-breast
One-year countdown begins to the
2017 Global NCD Alliance Forum
9 December 2016, Geneva.-
The second edition of the Global NCD
Alliance Forum, the most important event convening civil society
organizations working on the prevention and control of
Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) worldwide, will take place in
one year, from 9 to 11 December 2017 in Sharjah, United Arab
Emirates (UAE).
The Forum will be held under the patronage of Her Highness
Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of the Ruler of
Sharjah, and Founder and Patron of Friends of Cancer Patients
(FoCP), and co-hosted by the NCD Alliance and Friends of Cancer
Patients.
It will bring together representatives from NCD civil society
from across the world, particularly national and regional NCD
alliances, building links with multilateral organizations,
international NGOs, government representatives and NCD experts.
The first Global NCD Alliance Forum took place in November 2015
in Sharjah, and was the largest gathering of NCD civil society
at the global level. It resulted in increased knowledge and
advocacy skills, new networks and connections, as well as the
landmark Sharjah Declaration on NCDs. “The second edition will
build on the success of the 2015 Forum. It will serve as an
interactive and dynamic platform to share lessons learnt, best
practice and solutions in accelerating action on NCDs at all
levels”, said José Luis Castro, Chair of NCD Alliance.
The 2015 Forum brought together NCD civil society at a pivotal
moment - two months after world leaders adopted the United
Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. “The timing of
the 2017 Forum will be equally important. It will provide an
opportunity to mobilize the NCD community ahead of the 2018 UN
High-Level Review on NCDs. We will unite around priorities for
this next global milestone, and strategies to ensure we achieve
meaningful outcomes for NCD prevention and control”, said Katie
Dain, Executive Director of the NCD Alliance.
Online Source:
https://ncdalliance.org/es/news-events/news/one-year-countdown-begins-to-the-2017-global-ncd-alliance-forum
Qatar Cancer Society Collaborates
With Doha Bank To Raise Awareness Of Prostate Cancer
Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) has launched a sporting event in
collaboration with Doha Bank as part of the campaign “Be
mustache – check” to raise awareness of prostate cancer, which
is the second most common cancer in men in Qatar and the world,
and the fifth leading cause of deaths in men from cancer
globally.
QCS is holding awareness lectures and workshops involving
various sectors in the country to raise awareness of the
symptoms of the disease, the factors responsible for it, as well
as methods of prevention and cure. According to Dr. Hadi Mohamad
Abu Rasheed, MD, Health Education, the risk of getting prostate
cancer rises rapidly after the age of 50, while family history
more than doubles a man’s risk of developing this disease.
What’s more, men who eat a lot of red meat or high-fat dairy
products and fewer fruits and vegetables are susceptible to
develop prostate cancer. Obese men run a higher risk of getting
more advanced and serious prostate cancer. Smoking is linked to
increased risk of deaths from prostate cancer while exposures to
chemicals in the workplace may also increase one’s risk. Dr.
Rasheed added,
“Symptoms of prostate cancer at the early stage are hardly
visible. The symptoms become visible in advanced stages. In most
cases, symptoms are caused by benign prostatic enlargement, or
an infection. So, it is important that you see a doctor to
understand the symptoms.” Symptoms of prostate cancer include
problems urinating, such as a weak or interrupted urinary flow,
pain while urinating, inability to urinate, sense of incomplete
emptying of the bladder, intense need to urinate, or the need to
urinate more often, especially at night.
Source:http://health-n-life.com/qatar-cancer-society-collaborates-with-doha-bank-to-raise-awareness-of-prostate-cancer/
Friends of Cancer Patients
launches Arabic version of Cancer Atlas at SIBF
SHARJAH, 4th November, 2016 (WAM)--The Friends of Cancer
Patients (FoCP) has launched the Arabic version of the second
edition of the Cancer Atlas in collaboration with the American
Cancer Society, the International Agency for Research on Cancer,
and the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).
The launch comes on the fringe of FoCP’s participation in the
35th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF),
currently taking place at Expo Centre Sharjah from 2nd -12th
November. The Cancer Atlas collates a large variety of research
and cancer data from 184 countries and combines the findings
into a comprehensive guide that illustrates the global cancer
landscape. It highlights non-communicable diseases in general
and cancer in particular, outlining precautionary health
measures that governments can take to reduce the burden of the
cancer epidemic, especially in low and middle-income
communities.
The Cancer Atlas also provides a comprehensive global overview
of information about the psychological effects of cancer on
patients and their families, associated risk factors, methods of
prevention and measures of control. It also features three main
chapters dealing with risk factors, burden of cancer and taking
action. H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme
Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, signed the first copy of
the Cancer Atlas at FoCP’s booth, in the presence of FoCP's
board members, including Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Thani,
Mohammed Al Musharrakh, Noha Safar and Dr. Shereen Habib. FoCP
has prepared 500 copies of the Cancer Atlas that will be
distributed to organizations and bodies that are dedicated to
spreading cancer awareness locally and internationally.
Online Source:
http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395302593408.html
Pink Caravan Ride 2015 concludes after Free Breast
Cancer Screenings for 5,000 People -
Sharjah, 25th
March, 2015 -
The Pink Caravan Ride wrapped up its 10 day
awareness campaign today after screening more than 5000 people
across all seven Emirates in the UAE travelling a distance of
243 km. The initiative, a pan-UAE breast cancer awareness drive
by the Friends of Cancer Patients charity (FoCP), has now
screened approximately 35000 men and woman of all nationalities
since its inception five years ago.
In its 5th year, the Pink Caravan has been honored with the
participation and support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin
Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE
and Ruler of Dubai, HH Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi,
Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and HH Sheikh Ahmed
bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Mohammed bin
Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation.
Ameera Bin Karam, President of the Board of Trustees, founding
member of FoCP and Chairperson of the Higher Organizing
Committee of the Pink Caravan Ride, said, "I’d like to thank all
those who contributed to the success of the fifth annual ride,
including partners, volunteers, sponsors, supporters, riders,
doctors, nurses, media professionals and community members,
whose cooperation and interaction have contributed significantly
to the success of the Pink Caravan Ride and enabling it to offer
examinations to over 5000 people throughout the journey." Also
in attendance during this important event was Dr. Sawsan Al
Madhi, Secretary General of FoCP and Dr. Khaled Ahmed Al Saleh,
General Secretary of the GFFCC.
Since its inception in 2011, the Pink Caravan has sought to
raise awareness about the importance of early detection of
breast cancer, and highlight the impact of the disease
throughout the UAE. The Pink Caravan's efforts have contributed
to dispelling misconceptions related to breast cancer, and
providing financial and emotional support to breast cancer
patients and their families. The Pink Caravan has played a
significant role in reducing breast cancer’s incidence, and
diminishing its progression to advanced stages through free
screenings that help protect the lives of citizens and residents
across the country.
Gulf Awareness Group established and MOU with IARC
-
The establishment of the Gulf Awareness Group was
recently been agreed through a partnership between the Gulf
Centre for Cancer Control and Prevention under the Executive
Office of the Health Ministers’ Council for the GCC and the Gulf
Federation for Cancer Control, a non-government organization
with 16 member cancer associations in the gulf. Three meetings
were already held by the Gulf Awareness Group in Riyadh, Al Hasaa and Kuwait to discuss the details of a gulf cancer
campaign. It has been agreed that the first week of February
(1-7) shall be observed as an Annual Cancer Awareness Week in
the gulf where awareness activities will be held all over the
gulf region.
The Gulf Centre for Cancer Control and Prevention also made an
important announcement recently about the Memorandum of
Understanding for cooperation between the International Agency
for Research on Cancer (IARC) under the World Health
Organization and all the Cancer Centers in the Gulf. This MOU
will facilitate information and improve the study and research
of cancer in the region.
Saudi Arabian Princess Reema Takes on Breast Cancer
Awareness with more Social Media
-
March 14, 2015
Original article written by Lauren Johnson (edited by the GJO).
During a keynote today at South by Southwest, Princess Reema
Bint Bandar Al-Saud, launched a new campaign that will rely
heavily on social and mobile media to spread the word. The
initiative is dubbed 10KSA and is part of Zahra Breast Cancer
Association, Princess Reema's fundraising organization. On Oct.
24, 2015 10KSA aims to bring 10,000 women together to form a
human pink ribbon. This year's campaign builds on a similar
endeavor in 2010 that broke a Guinness World Record for the most
women to gather in a single location at once. In 2010, text
messaging, Blackberry Messenger (BBM) and Facebook were the main
ways that the movement got out the word. But a quick glance at
this year's website shows that Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
will all be used this year. 2010 Assembly that broke a Guinness
World Record The movement this fall hopes to bring together
10,000 women, a significant step up from the 3,952 women that it
attracted in 2010. And indeed, the new social platforms could
give the campaign a much wider reach. Compared to other
countries, Princess Reema said that breast cancer detection is
often detected later in deadlier stages, giving it a different
stereotype than it has elsewhere. "The reality that they see
is they catch it at stage three and four, so all they see are
women in pain, losing their hair," Princess Reema said. "What
they see versus what [10KSA says are] two different realities,
so how do we take this conversation of breast cancer, kick it up
to be a mainstream conversation so we can get women catching
themselves." "We want to be a benchmark for how do we do an
event like this or any event extremely well where we have a
lasting impact—it can't be just about breaking the record,"
Princess Reema said.
Qatar Cancer Society launches ‘Think Again’ campaign
The
Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) launched on Dec. 18, 2012 a campaign
titled ‘Think Again’ to raise awareness and encourage women,
especially young girls to go for vaccination against the human
papillomavirus that causes cervical cancer.
The
campaign is also an effort to curb the spread of the cancer,
which is reportedly responsible for the death of a woman every
one hour in the Middle East.
QCS
chairman Dr Khalid bin Jabor al-Thani said at the press
conference that Vaccination against cervical cancer virus is
being encouraged from nine years in some countries where women
marry early. “Statistics
show that cervical cancer is the second largest cause of female
cancer mortality worldwide, accounting for the death of almost
288,000 women each year. The Middle East loses one woman every
hour to cervical cancer,” he said. “For the screening and
vaccination, we will be collaborating with a number of private
hospitals in the country,” Dr Khalid al-Thani mentioned.
Also
speaking at the press conference hosted by the Grand Hyatt Doha
in support of the campaign, Obstetrics/Gynaecologist Dr Omar Abu
Zainab explained that early vaccination against cervical cancer
is the most effective means of preventing the disease adding
that alongside regular screening, vaccination could reduce the
risk of cervical cancer by up to 93%. The Grand Hyatt and QCS
have partnered in organizing a ‘Run for Cure’ event earlier in
October and which came on support of the global breast cancer
awareness month.
FOCP discusses achievements in assisting cancer patients in UAE
Friends of Cancer Patients charity (FoCP)
met on Tuesday with the heads of all health promotion charities
functioning under the umbrella of the Sharjah Supreme Council
for Family Affairs’ (SCFA) Health Promotion Department.
Held at the SCFA headquarters in Sharjah, the meeting aimed to
provide an update on FoCP activities and its awareness
campaigns, including the Pink Caravan as well as to encourage
increased cooperation and collaboration between various
charities operating under the SCFA.
The National Association
for Cancer Awareness (NACA), Oman, go pink for October
Bin Mirza International (BMI)
joined hands with the National Association for Cancer Awareness
(NACA) during the month of October 2012 to help promote breast
cancer awareness in the Sultanate. Specially crafted ‘pink
ribbon’ cookies were created to support the cause and were sold
at the Ninth Annual Cancer Awareness Walkathon. All proceeds
made from the sale of the cookies will go directly to the
Association.
Yemen launches cancer awareness and treatment campaign
Yemen's National Cancer Control
Foundation recently launched a fundraising and awareness
campaign focused on cancer treatment and education regarding the
disease's dangers, causes, and prevention methods.
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