Editor's Word

Dear Colleagues,

We are expressing deep sorrow for the passing of his Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the late leader of Kuwait country who was the Chairman of the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement for Sciences (KFAS) Foundation’s Board of Directors. His guidance always supportive for the necessity of achieving the Foundation’s objectives in promoting the role of science, technology and innovation in the country, stimulating scientific research, encouraging scientists and researchers to excel, embracing Kuwaiti creative talents, and creating the appropriate environment to nurture their aptitude and interest in science and to implement their innovations and inventions. May Allah rest him in peace.

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It has been several months since the COVID-19 pandemic has affected almost all aspects of human life in the world. There are already dozens if not hundreds of studies on COVID-19 since the pandemic began and we are learning more and more about this disease on how it spreads, affects the human body, and manage its negative characteristics. In this issue of the journal, we have 1 article on COVID-19 relating to cancer disease which we hope would contribute to scientific knowledge and a better understanding about this disease.

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The 4th Combined Gulf Cancer Conference: “Cancer Care during and beyond crises” will be held for 2 days on 28–29 November, 2020 via virtual meeting platform on the internet. The conference will focus on how epidemics/ pandemics like COVID-19 impact the healthcare systems of countries in the GCC; analyzing and improving healthcare plans and strategies and adopting innovative technologies to mitigate the burden in times of crises. There will be many expert presenters in this event and we expect a large participation online.

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I am delighted to announce that a new Arabic magazine titled Hayatuna is published in a new form. The aim of this publication is to help increase awareness using our native language about the dangers of cigarette smoking and other cancer risk factors. A clear example is the proliferation of electronic cigarettes, used particularly by teens and young adults, which poses a serious health issue in countries in the Gulf region. The aggressive marketing of these devices offering candy flavors and targeting mainly our children has to be stopped or controlled under very strict regulations.