Qatar Cancer Society (QCS), in collaboration with Houston Methodist, recently convened its second “Ghabgat AlAmal” gathering at the Sheraton Doha Hotel, reaffirming its steadfast dedication to supporting cancer patients and their families through emotional and community initiatives.

Among the esteemed guests were His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Jabor Al Thani, Chairman of the Board; Mrs. Mona Ashkanani, Director General of QCS; and representatives from Houston Methodist Global Health Care Services, including Mr. Talal Braidy, Regional Director of Global Development, and Mrs. Najla AlHudaib, Senior Country Manager in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The event also welcomed ambassadors from Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Turkey, and Kuwait, alongside notable public and media figures.

His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Jabor Al Thani commended the collaborative efforts of QCS and Houston Methodist Global in addressing the challenges posed by cancer. He emphasized the significance of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the two organizations, underscoring their shared commitment to community well-being and the pursuit of common goals in combating cancer.

Acknowledging the critical importance of partnerships in cancer control efforts, His Excellency highlighted the joint endeavors to raise awareness and deliver essential health services to cancer patients. He reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to positioning Qatar as a cancer prevention and control leader.

Mrs. Mona Ashkanani reiterated QCS’s mission to mitigate the impact of cancer in Qatar by fostering partnerships and advocating for patient support and empowerment. She emphasized the society’s multifaceted approach, encompassing financial assistance, emotional support, and awareness campaigns to showcase inspiring stories of resilience among cancer survivors.

Expressing her delight at hosting the event during the holy month of Ramadan, Mrs. Ashkanani emphasized its significance in dispelling cancer misconceptions and fostering a greater understanding of the challenges patients and their families face.

Mr. Talal Braidy expressed gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with QCS and reaffirmed Houston Methodist’s commitment to advancing medical excellence in Qatar and beyond. He pledged continued support for QCS’s initiatives, including awareness campaigns and scientific research endeavors, as part of their shared vision for improving cancer care.

The “Ghabgat AlAmal” event was a testament to the enduring partnership between QCS and Houston Methodist as they strive to make meaningful contributions to cancer prevention, treatment, and patient care in Qatar and the wider region.

Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) is processing, preparing, and developing the strategic plan for 2025-2027 with Averroes company, QCS Chairman Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Jabr Al Thani has announced.

The project aims to formulate the Society’s strategic direction, determine the results and strategic objectives, prepare the strategic map, design performance indicators, and matrix, define the initiative matrix, and prepare the executive plan for the initiatives of the first year of the plan.

The QCS stressed that this development is based on the charity’s community role in cancer prevention, support for those living with the disease, professional development, and scientific research, and is consistent with the National Cancer Strategy. Under the umbrella of the charitable sector, it is starting a new phase of work using the results-based planning methodology and identifying its executive and operational initiatives and tools and follow-up to ensure effective implementation of the strategic plan.

This plan comes in conjunction with the near end of the charity’s strategic plan for 2018-2024 and the need to evaluate the performance of those years to identify the most prominent limitations, risks, and strengths, as well as the results and outputs on which the new plan is to be based, which will come as a continuation of its predecessor in achieving its three strategic goals. He added that the three strategic goals are raising community awareness of cancer, ways to prevent it, support, empowering, and advocacy for those living with the disease, and scientific cancer research.

He indicated that this year would represent a new qualitative leap in its work of caring for people living with cancer, as it will witness the launch of several digital initiatives that will support this group financially, psychologically, and socially. The charity has many sustainable programs that deal with this category, including “Our Children Are Gold,” “Your Smile Is Our Life,” “I Am a Survivor, and I Will Inspire You With My Story,” “Together We Can,” “Support Groups,” and “Community Participation.”

Under the Patronage of HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani – Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, HE Dr. Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, Minister of Public Health – launched the International Congress of Gastrointestinal Cancers 2023, organized by Qatar Cancer Society during  December 1^st – 2^nd, 2023, at The Ritz-Carlton, Doha.

The Congress gathered more than 1,000 primary health care providers and a group of researchers. Academics and specialists in the field of gastrointestinal tumors worldwide, especially in America, Austria, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, Lebanon, and Jordan, In addition to the State of Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Public Health, Hamad Medical Corporation, and the Primary Health Care Corporation.

Over the two days, the Congress discussed all topics related to gastrointestinal cancers, risk factors, methods of diagnosis, treatment, and the latest international studies and research. It also discussed the most important reasons for the increased incidence of this type of cancer.

A global burden

His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Jabr Al Thani, Chairman of Qatar Cancer Society, said during his opening speech, “This Congress was held with expectations that incidence rates are to increase from roughly 18 per 100,000 to 34 per 100,000 by 2030, according to the Qatar National Cancer Registry – Ministry of Public Health in Qatar.

This Congress comes within the Qatar Cancer Society’s keenness to keep pace with global medical development. It makes Qatar a leader in cancer prevention and its burden control and provides all the necessary capabilities and support to control it locally. He added.

Recommendations

The International Congress came out with a set of recommendations, the most important of which are:

• Establish Multidisciplinary Teams: Encourage institutions to form multidisciplinary teams, combining the expertise of surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and nurse specialists for comprehensive GI cancer care.
• Enhance Surgical Training Programs: Develop advanced training programs for surgeons, focusing on the latest techniques in the surgical management of GI cancers, including colorectal, hepatic, and pancreatic cancers.
• Promote Precision Oncology Research: Advocate for increased funding and support for research in precision oncology to personalize colorectal cancer treatment, enhancing its efficacy and reducing side effects.
• Implement Liver Transplant Protocols: Recommend the adoption of specialized protocols for liver transplantation in metastatic colorectal cancer cases, ensuring optimal patient selection and post-operative care.
• Adopt Clinical Guidelines: Urge healthcare providers to adopt and integrate the Clinical Practice Guidelines into their treatment plans for metastatic colorectal cancer, ensuring evidence-based care.
• Organize Public Awareness Campaigns: Initiate public awareness campaigns on the importance of early detection and screening for GI cancers, focusing on risk factors and preventive strategies.
• Expand Access to Advanced Imaging: Facilitate more comprehensive access to advanced imaging technologies like CT-PET for accurate staging and monitoring of GI cancers, especially in under-resourced areas.
• Foster Economic Research in GI Cancer Treatment: Encourage studies on the cost-effectiveness of various GI cancer treatment modalities to inform policy decisions and healthcare spending.
• Enhance Patient Support Services: Establish comprehensive patient support services, including nutritional counseling, psychological support, and pain management, to improve the quality of life for patients with GI cancers.
• Create Specialized Cancer Units: Advocate for developing specialized cancer units like the Oesophago-Gastric Cancer Unit in Qatar, focusing on targeted treatment and research in specific types of GI cancers.
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Under the Patronage of HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani – Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Qatar Cancer Society” QCS “will host the International Congress of Gastrointestinal Cancers2023  during December 1^st – 2^nd, 2023, at The Ritz-Carlton, Doha, which is expected to gather more than 1,000 primary health care providers and a group of researchers. Academics and specialists in the field of gastrointestinal tumors worldwide.

HE Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Jabr Al Thani, founder and Chairman of Qatar Cancer Society, said, “The importance of The International Congress of Gastrointestinal Cancers comes from the facts this type of cancer represents a significant burden globally, both in terms of incidence and mortality. Gastrointestinal cancers account for 1 in 4 cancer cases and 1 in 3 cancer deaths globally. They encompass a wide range of malignancies, including cancers of the esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts, small intestine, colon, rectum, and anus. Yet the burden they pose is matched by the opportunity to present the chance to radically transform the lives of millions through medical breakthroughs, innovative research, and collaborative care.

This congress has been approved as the CPD Activity: Category 1 –  by the Ministry of Public Health’s Department of Healthcare Professions -for 9.00 hours. Registration will take place via QCS’s mobile application.

The conference is a global platform that brings together an elite group of specialists and experts in various fields related to gastrointestinal cancers from several countries, including America, Austria, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, Lebanon, Jordan, In addition to the State of Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Public Health, Hamad Medical Corporation, and the Primary Health Care Corporation….he added.

According to the Qatar National Cancer Registry – Ministry of Public Health in Qatar, the predicted increase in the disease burden with incidence rates is projected to increase from roughly 18 per 100,000 to 34 per 100,000 by 2030. He added.

HE Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Jabr said, “The conference will include two-panel discussions, the first one concerned with raising community awareness about preventing gastrointestinal cancers and targeting 100 people. There will be a medical exhibition in cooperation with some health authorities to provide free consultation services to the public, and the second session is concerned with people living with cancer and their families to talk about the importance of food during the treatment and recovery period, by hosting an elite group of specialists in this field.

His Excellency stressed the importance of community partnerships in supporting the charity’s plans. He specifically thanked the Ministry of Social and Family Development, the Ministry of Public Health Regulatory Authority for Charitable Activities, the Primary Health Care Corporation, Hamad Medical Corporation, Ooredoo, Katara Hospitality, Suhail Holding, Dukhan Bank, Ahli Bank, Qatar Islamic Bank, Tasweer company.

Dr. Abdul-Azim Abdul-Wahab Hussein, Vice Chairman of Qatar cancer society “Gastrointestinal cancers encompass a wide range of malignancies, including cancers of the esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts, small intestine, colon, rectum, and anus. Yet, the burden they pose is matched by the opportunity they present – a chance to radically transform the lives of millions through medical breakthroughs, innovative research, and collaborative care.

In 2020, colorectal cancers ranked second in cancer incidence. Amongst the Qatari population registered in the QNCR, there were 635 cases diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Of these cases, 28% have died and 72% are still alive. 54% of the patients were at a late stage. Liver and intrahepatic bile duct cancers ranked tenth in cancer incidence. Amongst the Qatari population registered in the QNCR, there were 246 cases diagnosed with liver cancer. Of these cases, 65% have died and 35% are still alive. 69% of the patients were at a late stage, according to the Qatar National Cancer Registry – Ministry of Public Health in Qatar. He added.

Her Excellency Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al-Misnad – Minister of Social Development and Family, visited Qatar Cancer Society and was received by His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Jabr Al Thani – Chairman of the Board of Directors.

During the visit, Her Excellency toured the charity and the Cancer Awareness Center. He was briefed on QCS and the center’s activities and their role in spreading cancer awareness through programs targeting all groups and segments of Society…

Her Excellency expressed her admiration for the charity’s efforts in promoting and disseminating the culture of early detection of the disease, raising health awareness and supporting those living with cancer, emphasizing the actions of the State of Qatar in supporting and strengthening the health sector and paying attention to the human resources as it is the essential pillar of community development.

On this occasion, His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Jabr expressed his happiness with this visit, which will significantly impact the charity’s progress and awareness efforts. HE presented, during the visit, the activities of QCS to the Minister and highlighted its role in spreading awareness in the community AND supporting, empowering, and advocating for those with the disease.

His Excellency also reviewed ways to support and enhance QCS’s activities and programs and the Ministry’s active contributions in this charitable and health sector.Further, HE expressed the continuation of QCS since its founding in 1997 to achieve its vision to be a community partnership platform to make Qatar a leader in cancer prevention and burden control through its mission to prevent cancer and control its burden in Qatar by working with its partners to educate the community and to support, empower and advocate individuals living with cancer.

His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Jabor Al Thani – Chairman of Qatar Cancer Society – received Dr. Rayana Bou Haka – WHO Representative, Qatar – In His Excellency’s office yesterday to discuss ways of cooperation between the two parties through the implementation of several joint programs, as well as to shed light on QCS’s progress and programs through the World Health Organization.

The meeting discussed the latest developments in the issue of cancer control and in the field of supporting, empowering, and advocating for those living with cancer, as well as concerning professional development and scientific research in cancer. The meeting also presented the health care services available in Qatar concerning cancer, especially the charity.

During the visit, she toured the QCS Cancer Awareness Center and was given a brief of QCS programs targeting all societal groups, praised the charity’s efforts in promoting the culture of early detection of the disease, raising awareness, and supporting people living with cancer.

His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Jabor Al Thani valued the visit of WHO Representative, Qatar, which will positively impact the collberation.

His Excellency presented the charity’s activities and its role in spreading community awareness as well as supporting, empowering, and advocating for people living with cancer, stressed the continuation of  QCS  efforts to achieve its vision to be a community partnership platform to make Qatar a leader in cancer prevention and its burden control mission since its founding in 1997 by working with our partners to educate the community, support, empower, and advocate for individuals living with cancer, and engage in professional development and scientific research in the field of cancer.

H.E.  affirmed the charity’s keenness to keep pace with global expertise to develop its programs and plans, which would enrich its work through the exchange of ideas between specialists from various sectors and its implications for developing the field of awareness and providing the best ways and services, especially that QCS is a member of Union for International Cancer Control which is one of the largest global institutions. That gives On more responsibilities and the insistence on becoming an active member of a global health organiation at the level of the WHO.

Qatar Cancer Society “QCS “launched a quarterly awareness campaign targeting workers to educate them about the most common types of cancer, according to the global awareness calendar of the disease, as nearly 1,800 workers were targeted from several health centers, as Mesaimeer Health Center, Fereej Abdulaziz, Al Jamila, Zikreet, in addition to several workers, from private companies in cooperation with Qatar Red Crescent.

The campaign started in June and lasted for three months. It was launched in some languages, namely Arabic, English, Urdu, and Hindi.

The June campaign focused on raising skin cancer awareness and targeted 500 workers by broadcasting educational messages through direct and indirect workshops and lectures. It presented the signs and symptoms of skin cancer, how to deal with sunlight, especially in hot summer weather, and the risk factors that increase the possibility of infection.

July also witnessed awareness of liver cancer, and 500 workers were targeted. The focus was on the most important signs and symptoms of liver cancer and methods of prevention, and emphasis on not sharing personal care tools such as razors and toothbrushes to avoid infection with hepatitis B virus, which is a risk factor for liver cancer. The campaign included distributing a personal care kit to the workers.

Within August, which is International Blood Cancer Awareness Month, the campaign targeted 300. It made them aware of blood cancers And focused on the importance of adhering to safety standards at work to limit exposure to chemicals and radiation to reduce the risk of disease. Another group of workers is being targeted in cooperation with several companies, namely (FMM & Q TERMINALS and Suhail Holding), which target approximately 500 workers.

Qatar Cancer Society “QCS “launched “I am a survivor, and I will inspire you with my story” campaign to support, empower, and advocate for people living with cancer and provide them with psychological and societal support within the framework of June, which is the global awareness month for people living with the disease.

The campaign focused this year on the sustainable program “Together We Can” to emphasize the concept and importance of community advocacy for this group in various environments, especially the work environment and the educational environment “the school.” The campaign also included many events, activities, and direct and virtual awareness workshops, most notably a visit to patients at the National Center for Cancer Care and Research, a “Together We Can” workshop targeted social workers in schools, and others that targeted health, safety, and human resources officials in institutions, in addition to publishing stories of hope for some of those recovering from cancer. ,  awareness campaigns through social media platforms, and several television interviews to advocate for patients and raise awareness of their issues.

Mrs. Dana Mansour -People Living with Cancer department at QCS – said the “campaign “I am a survivor, and I will inspire you with my story” was launched as a sustainable initiative within the psychological and community support programs offered by  QCS  for this category, which would present more positive images of people living with the disease and the importance of activating their role in society and changing images Wrong stereotypes about cancer and its sufferers, as well as emphasizing that it is a disease like other diseases that can be cured, in addition to helping cohabitants to re-engage in society and regain their influential roles in it.

Qatar Cancer Society has launched many sustainable programs targeting people living with cancer. All of them aim to achieve a package of goals, the most important of which is identifying the unique needs of cancer patients, survivors, and their families,  helping patients deal with the side effects of cancer treatment, providing patients, survivors, and their families with information about available services in Qatar, providing information and advice to maintain a healthy lifestyle and improve the physical and psychological capabilities of patients and survivors to practice their daily life activities as much as possible, improving the quality of life for patients, survivors and their families during the treatment period and beyond to overcome the effects associated with the disease and its treatment and help them reactivate their role in society after treatment.