Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) in collaboration with the Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS), has launched a quarterly awareness campaign to educate workers about the most common types of cancer.
The campaign aligns with the global cancer awareness calendar and targets around 1,500 workers across various health centres, including Mesaimeer Health Centre, Fareej Abdelaziz, and Al Hemaila.
The campaign commenced in June and will continue over three months, offering education in several languages, including Arabic, English, Urdu and Hindi. The June campaign focused on skin cancer awareness targeting 500 workers and emphasised disseminating educational messages through direct and indirect workshops and lectures. The campaign covered the signs and symptoms of skin cancer, how to deal with sun exposure, especially in hot summer weather, and the risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing the disease.
In July, the campaign has shifted its focus to liver cancer awareness, targeting another 500 workers. It highlights the primary signs and symptoms of liver cancer and prevention methods, such as avoiding sharing personal care items like razors and toothbrushes to prevent hepatitis B infection, a significant risk factor for liver cancer. The campaign also includes distributing personal care kits to the workers.
In August, recognised globally as Blood Cancer Awareness Month, the campaign proposes to reach another group of 500 workers with information about blood cancers. The focus will be on adhering to workplace safety standards to minimise exposure to chemicals and radiation, thereby reducing the risk of developing these cancers.
Noor Makkia, a health educator at QCS, stated: "These awareness campaigns and activities are launched periodically in line with Qatar National Vision 2030, which places great emphasis on human health. It underscores the importance of spreading health awareness among all community segments. ”
Makkia emphasised the importance of promoting a healthy lifestyle among all workers as the campaigns aim to educate about cancer, its prevention, and early detection.
Makkla stressed the importance of promoting a healthy lifestyle among all community members, noting that 40% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, and 40% can be cured if detected early.
Ammar al-Mashadani, public relations officer at QCS stated: "Launching community partnerships between all state institutions wisely and consciously contributes directly to building and development, especially in the health sector, which is one of the critical pillars for achieving comprehensive development in various fields. Social responsibility is based on
co-operation and integration between all forces."
The campaign targets around 1,500 workers.
