DOHA: Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has launched ‘Early Detection Saves Lives’ campaign to mark the Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The initiative aims at educating women at risk of breast cancer, increasing their knowledge of signs and symptoms and empowering them to take charge of their breast health. It features activities, including a conference jointly organised with Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) and Qatar Cancer Society (QCS).
The conference on October 29 and 30 at the Sheraton Grand Hotel, Doha, will bring leaders and healthcare professionals from around the world to share knowledge and expertise in breast cancer screening and the latest information about mammograms and early detection.
Also, there will be information booths in some of HMC’s hospitals, including Al Wakrah Hospital, Hamad General Hospital, The Cuban Hospital and the National Center for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR).
Officials at the booths will inform patients and their families, visitors and staff about signs and symptoms of breast cancer and educate them on the importance of prevention and early detection in reducing the risk of the disease and saving lives.
An event to celebrate the breast cancer team at HMC, also known as the ‘Pink Team’ will be held on October 31 at Bayt Al Dhiyafa at Hamad Bin Khalifa Medical City to acknowledge their efforts, reward teamwork and recognise their contribution to HMC’s delivery of high-quality care to patients.
Dr. Salha Bujassoum Al Bader, Senior Consultant, NCCCR, and Director, Breast Cancer Programme, HMC, said, “Breast cancer is by far the most common cancer in Qatar and one in eight women will develop it in their lifetime. Education, prevention and diagnostic services remain at the frontline of the battle against breast cancer.
“Breast changes can show up on mammograms before the patient or doctor can feel a lump. We encourage women aged 45 and above to be screened for breast cancer, stay physically active and eat a healthy diet. Our breast cancer team is happy to participate in the awareness campaign because we believe early detection can save lives,” Dr. Bujassoum added.
A social media campaign starts this week and runs throughout the month to share information about breast cancer with the public and provide support to those affected by the disease. For details about the campaign, please follow HMC on Twitter: @HMC_Qatar and Instagram @HMC_Qatar.
