By Noimot Olayiwola/Staff Reporter

The Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) yesterday launched its revamped website www.qatarcancersociety.org with informative contents available both in Arabic and English, in an effort to strengthen its battle against cancers, as well as its support to those that are affected by the disease.
The QCS, founded in 1997 under the patronage of Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani and chaired by Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Jabor al-Thani, provides financial assistance and social support to less-privileged non-Qatari cancer patients in the country.
The humanitarian organisation, which plans to soon move into its new headquarters in one of the Barwa towers, is dedicated to the prevention and treatment of cancer and focuses on the implementation of awareness and prevention programmes aimed at informing the public and healthcare professionals on the disease.
QCS reaches out to cancer patients, survivors and their families to help alleviate the distress and suffering as well as to help facilitate recovery through both emotional, as well as monetary support.
Recently, the QCS has undergone a re-branding in order to make a statement in its commitment, and strengthening its resolve through its vision and strategy in the fight against cancer.
The interactive features provided by the new website will help users to register for vaccinations, to take appointment and seek consultation through the click of a mouse, according to QCS chairman Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Jabor al-Thani, who launched the website in a brief ceremony hosted by Grand Hyatt Hotel yesterday.
 “As we strive to present the best solutions to our community, the launch of qatarcancersociety.org will serve as an information portal to guide patients, survivors, physicians and knowledge-seekers through cancer treatment and prevention methods,” he added.
Through the website, patients in need of help can register their details on a pre-set form to apply for financial assistance from the centre.
Subsequently, QCS will be in contact with the patients within a day or two to discuss the case further.
Patients can also send the relevant documents to [email protected] or fax them to 44478102.
In 2012, according to the official, the QCS provided financial help to about 100 cancer patients, who were suffering from different types of the disease, including breast and colon cancers, which are the two most common cancers found in Qatar.
“We have not rejected anyone who approach us for help, provided their treatment is going to be at Al Amal Cancer Hospital here. However, these patients are difficult to track because many of them prefer to go back to their home countries and we couldn’t do any follow up,” Sheikh Dr Khalid al-Thani explained.
The website provides tips on how cancers occur, their treatments as well as prevention and how to adopt a healthy lifestyle that can decrease the risks of getting cancer.
There is also a segment presenting opportunities to community members to support the centre, either by donating or volunteering.
Also, according to Sheikh Dr Khalid al-Thani, the new headquarters will have many new units including an early detection clinic and lecture or classrooms for holding events.