The Qatar Cancer Society (QCS), in collaboration with the National Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance in the Eastern Mediterranean, hosted a discussion session on 'Enhancing Access to Early Detection and Treatment of Breast Cancer in the Region' as part of the 71st Session of the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional Committee Meeting.
QCS chairman HE Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Jabor al-Thani and Tunisia Health Minister Dr Mustapha al-Ferjani attended the event.
WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO) director Dr Hanan Balkhy and EM-NCD Alliance chairperson Dr Ibtihal Fadhil were also present.
The discussion session brought together government health officials from various countries in the region, along with WHO officials, technical experts, researchers, healthcare practitioners, civil society organisations, women's health advocates and patient rights activist, among others.
This session was part of ongoing efforts to raise awareness about breast cancer, providing an ideal opportunity to unify efforts among key stakeholders from different sectors to stimulate initiatives aimed at improving access to early detection and treatment in the Middle East.
The session covered several topics, including the “Reality of Breast Cancer in the Region”.
Recent statistics were presented, showing that breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region.
With over 131,000 reported cases in 2022, making it the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, breast cancer accounts for approximately 53,000 deaths annually, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The session also addressed the barriers to early detection and treatment.
The session covered the key challenges women face in accessing early detection and treatment services, such as lack of awareness, social stigma, and inadequate health resources.
"The aim of hosting this event was to prioritise early detection of breast cancer,” HE Sheikh Dr Khalid stated. “We believe in integrating early detection into national health policies and cancer control plans in the region. We also aim to share best practices, build recommendations, and exchange successful experiences in this field."
The session concluded with a set of recommendations aimed at alleviating the burden of breast cancer in the region and achieving equitable access to early detection and timely treatment.
The recommendations included increasing awareness, improving guidance, enhancing policies, and improving awareness efforts.
Dignitaries at the event.
Some of the participants at the session.
