Bowel cancer screening launched

The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) is organising a month-long awareness drive across Qatar entitled: ‘Ask Me About Bowel Cancer Screening’ in recognition of international Bowel Cancer Awareness Month.As part of its goal to provide world-class health services to Qatar’s residents and promote a healthy population, the PHCC’s National Breast and Bowel Screening Programme ‘Screen For Life’ will throughout March increase efforts to advise the public about the benefits of early detection and encourage eligible men and women to book an appointment for bowel cancer screening.Men and women in the most at risk age bracket of 50-74, and who do not present any symptoms of bowel cancer, are urged to call the PHCC call centre on 800 1112 to book an appointment.  The campaign will cover a media mix including outdoor advertisements, press advertisements, radio commercials as well as various outreach activities such as lectures, in-mall activations and cooperation with well known organisations in QatarThe programme targets asymptomatic men and women in Qatar aged 50-74, urging them to take the initiative with their health. At the core of its various country-wide activities is highlighting how adopting a proactive approach from the start can help significantly in the fight against bowel cancer. “Early detection can significantly enhance cancer survival rates and through this campaign we want to further educate the public about the bowel cancer screening through encouraging them to ask about it and get answers on all their doubts,” Dr Shaikha Abu Shaikha, cancer programme manager, PHCC, said.“A key message of the campaign is to show the public that there is nothing to fear when it comes to screening and talking to a highly skilled physician about bowel cancer and the benefits of getting checked.”Through the three dedicated breast and bowel screening centres the PHCC National Breast and Bowel Screening Programme can reach a large audience.Furthermore, the PHCC call centre provides an opportunity for people to talk with trained staff and ask questions about the screening programme and ways to book an appointment.