Marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month – also known as the Pink Month – observed every October, the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), through the “Screen for Life” Programme, has launched an awareness campaign on the screening of breast cancer, the most common cancer among women in Qatar.
The National Breast and Bowel Cancer Screening Programme, also known as “Screen for Life” is a lifesaving, population-based programme to promote education, awareness, and encouragement of early detection of breast and bowel cancer in Qatar.
The programme is being conducted under Qatar’s National Cancer Programme and in accordance with the country’s National Health Strategy 2011-2016, which represents a shift towards preventive and community-based care.
The month-long campaign is aimed at educating the public about the importance of early detection of breast cancer and to promote getting screened with a free mammogram test offered to all women in Qatar aged 45-69.
This year, the campaign under the title *Early Detection is the Real Protection emphasises the importance of detecting breast cancer at an early stage to increase the chances of successful treatment and ultimately protect women's health.
It highlights the idea that regular screening can help identify breast cancer when it is still in its early, more treatable phases, potentially saving lives.
Throughout October, the “Screen for Life” team will be doing different activities, starting from a health corner that will be available in various health centres at the PHCC, Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar Foundation and others, arrange lectures and workshops that will be held at governmental and private entities, distribute giveaways to patients at the suite and during events, as well as publish social media posts and a competition on the PHCC’s Instagram account.
In addition, a special partnership will be launched with the Gulf Centre for Food Stuff through which Al Shamal Water bottles will be distributed across Qatar in a limited pink edition to support breast cancer.
“As usual, we are more than ready to provide the service to the highest number of the eligible population, thanks to our teams that are working continuously throughout the year to raise awareness in terms of education about breast cancer and to deliver the best service in its best way at the clinic” said Dr Shaikha Abu Shaikha, director of the screening programmes at the PHCC.
The campaign urges women aged 45 and older to come forward for early screening, as it is the only means to detect the disease in its early stages.
Women in the age group can call the screening call centre number 800 1112 and to book an appointment.
Breast and Bowel cancer screening suites are available in four different health centres across Qatar: Al Wakrah, Rawdat Al Khail, Muaither and Leabaib.
Dr Shaikha Abu Shaikha
