Latest news with #TribuneNewsNetworkDohaQatarCancerSociety


Qatar Tribune
06-07-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
QCS unveils liver cancer awareness campaign
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) has launched an awareness campaign titled 'Protect Yourself' this July, in conjunction with Liver Cancer Awareness Month. The campaign is taking place at Al-Hemaila Health Centre and Mesaimeer Health Centre, in collaboration with the Qatar Red Crescent. This initiative is part of QCS's ongoing efforts to reach various segments of society and raise awareness about one of the most common and impactful types of cancer. The campaign particularly targets blue collared workers, who are considered among the most vulnerable groups to liver cancer risk factors. These include potential exposure to Hepatitis B or C viruses, or daily contact with hazardous chemicals in the workplace, which may increase the risk of developing liver cancer over time. The campaign emphasizes the importance of adopting preventive behaviours in the workplace, receiving necessary vaccinations, and undergoing regular medical checkups for early detection. According to the National Cancer Registry published by the Ministry of Public Health – Qatar in 2020, liver cancer ranks fifth among the most common cancers in men in the country. This highlights the urgent need to intensify awareness and educational efforts, particularly among high-risk populations, and to provide them with the necessary information on prevention and early detection. Nour Makkiyah, health educator at Qatar Cancer Society, stated: 'This campaign aligns with the Society's mission to enhance community awareness of cancer, with a focus on prevention and early detection. We have been keen to deliver our educational messages in multiple languages to ensure they are understood by all community members, especially workers from diverse nationalities. We've observed a strong engagement, reflecting the community's eagerness to access reliable health information.' She added: 'The 'Protect Yourself' campaign is part of a series of year-round programs implemented by QCS, aimed at promoting a culture of prevention and early screening, which ultimately contributes to reducing cancer incidence and mortality in Qatar.' The campaign covers several key areas, including: Definition and symptoms of liver cancer, such as unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain or swelling, nausea, and changes in urine or stool colour. About risk factors she said 'include Hepatitis B or C infection, smoking, alcohol consumption, type 2 diabetes, physical inactivity, and unhealthy lifestyle choices. Prevention methods, according to Makkiyah, include: 'Vaccination against Hepatitis B, avoiding the sharing of personal items, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, achieving a balanced weight, and engaging in regular physical activity. Routine medical checkups are also crucial, especially for high-risk individuals or those with a family or medical history of liver disease.'


Qatar Tribune
25-06-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
QCS winds up awareness drive to boost support forpeople living with cancer
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) has concluded its awareness campaign titled 'I Am a Survivor… and I will iInspire them with my story', which was launched in June in alignment with the global calendar for raising awareness about cancer survivors. The campaign garnered widespread community engagement and positive feedback through its diverse initiatives, which aimed to raise awareness and enhance psychological and social support for patients, survivors and their families. The campaign featured a variety of on-ground and digital activities, most notably the publication of a series of inspirational stories from cancer survivors. These stories highlighted their journeys and conveyed powerful, hopeful messages that encourage other patients to persevere and reclaim their lives. As part of the campaign, QCS organised a special visit to the National Center for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR), accompanied by a group of media personalities and social influencers, including prominent figures such as media personality Sheikha Al-Mannai and renowned Qatari chef Aisha Al-Tamimi, who offered emotional support and lifted the spirits of the patients. In the spirit of community support, QCS also hosted a joyful group iftar for children living with cancer and their families at the 'Seventy West' restaurant. The event created a warm and uplifting atmosphere, reinforcing a sense of belonging and appreciation. Furthermore, the campaign included the distribution of awareness-raising SMS messages to the public, encouraging community members to actively support and empower cancer patients and survivors both psychologically and socially. Several survivors also participated in radio and television interviews to share their experiences and challenges, lending their voices to this often-overlooked segment of the community. Additionally, the campaign launched a social media awareness initiative aimed at educating the public on the needs of survivors and ways to support and empower them. On this occasion, Dana Mansour, head of the Community Psychological Support Department at QCS, stated that the campaign is part of a comprehensive plan to raise societal awareness about cancer survivors, empower them to reclaim their roles in society, and challenge the stereotypes associated with cancer and those affected by it. She added, 'I am a Survivor... and I willInspire them with my story 'is not just a temporary initiative, but a sustainable campaign embedded in QCS's ongoing psychosocial support programs. It aims to highlight the positive side of survivorship and emphasize that cancer, though difficult, is a disease that can be overcome.' Mansour also emphasised that QCS has launched a package of programmes targeting this group, focusing on their psychological and physical well-being, providing information about available services in Qatar, and offering guidance on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. These programes also aim to help patients regain their ability to engage in daily activities and improve their overall quality of life during and after treatment. She stressed the importance of creating media and community platforms to amplify the voices of cancer survivors and encourage humanitarian and community-based initiatives that contribute to their reintegration and support. This campaign is part of QCS's broader efforts to provide comprehensive care for cancer patients, promote public awareness, and foster human empowerment in a way that supports the development of a stigma-free and inclusive society.


Qatar Tribune
04-05-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar CSR Award to QCS for ‘Weyyakom'
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) has been awarded the Qatar CSR Award 2025 in recognition of its pioneering humanitarian initiative, the 'Weyyakom Platform', which supports cancer patients and contributes towards the cost of their treatment. The judging panel commended the initiative for its significant humanitarian and social impact, highlighting it as an effective model for supporting vulnerable groups. The award was presented during the closing ceremony of the third edition of the Qatar CSR Summit 2025, held under the theme 'Sustainability in the Digital Age'. Ammar Al Mashhadani, QCS's Public Relations Officer, accepted the award on behalf of the organisation. As a bronze sponsor of the summit, QCS hosted an awareness booth showcasing its services, particularly those directed towards supporting cancer patients, survivors, and their families and caregivers. On this occasion, Mona Ashkanani, general manager of QCS, expressed pride in the recognition, stating that the award affirms the Society's commitment to community service. She emphasised that the honour serves as strong motivation to continue expanding QCS initiatives in line with Qatar National Vision 2030, which places human development at its core. She concluded by commending the summit's organisation and exhibition, stressing the importance of promoting a culture of social responsibility. She reaffirmed that achieving sustainable development requires the collective efforts of individuals and institutions alike.