Doha: Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) has launched ‘It’s all about prevention’ ‘campaign to raise awareness about colorectal cancer, the first most diagnosed cancer among men and the third most diagnosed cancer among women in Qatar, according to Qatar National Cancer Registry (QNCR) of Ministry of Public Health.
According to Dr. Hadi Mohamad Abu Rasheed, Head of Professional Development and Scientific Research Department at QCS, there were 201 newly diagnosed cases with colorectal cancer in Qatar, 62% of colorectal cancer cases in Qatar were among males, and 38% were among females, and 68% of colorectal cancer cases in Qatar were Non-Qatari, while 32% were Qatari.
Heba Nassar, Heath Educator at QCS, said, “This campaign aims to raise awareness about colorectal cancer, the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the colon or the rectum. Most colorectal cancers begin as a polyp on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Some polyps can transform into cancer for several years. Still, not all polyps become cancer. It’s all about prevention campaign included many awareness workshops, whether direct or virtual and educational videos on electronic platforms."
Many parties participated in the campaign, including Al Rayyan Municipality, Ihsan Club, Airport Health Center, Retaj Al Rayyan Hotel, and Abi Huzaifa Kindergarten for Boys, United Care Medical Center.
Heba stressed the importance of early detection to prevent this type of cancer, as well as adopting a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk.
She said adopting a healthy lifestyle is important to prevent cancer, the most important of which is exercise through getting 30 minutes of aerobic activity every day; limit consumption of red meat. Studies show that bowel cancer risk is 17-30 % higher if a person eats 100-120g of red meat every day.
