Qatar University (QU) is home to a large number of scientists and researchers dedicated to the fight against cancer as the international community strives to strengthen research and laboratory efforts to spread awareness, ways to prevent the disease, and correct misconceptions about it.
Dr Hesham M Korashy, professor, Pharmacology and Toxicology noted that although several risk factors and poor daily habits such as smoking, unhealthy food, stress and genetics have been strongly linked to cancer development, they alone cannot explain the rapidly increasing prevalence of cancer worldwide.
“Recently, other factors have been explored, such as exposure to environmental pollutants and chemicals. Uncontrolled industrialisation is usually associated with emission of pollutants into the air, water, and soil, and consequently, people exposed to these pollutants unknowingly, continually, and chronically. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared air pollution a major health problem that kills an estimated 7mn people worldwide. Data shows that nine out of 10 people breathe air that exceeds the WHO guideline limits containing high levels of pollutions,” he explained.
“ Although the mechanisms remain unclear, several mechanistic studies have demonstrated the ability of these pollutants to bind covalently to cell DNA causing the formation of DNA adducts and subsequent tumour initiation. Further studies are needed aiming at providing the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Municipality and Environment with effective intervention primary prevention strategies,” added, Dr Korashy.
Dr Ziad Nasr, assistant professor of Clinical Pharmacy & Practice Department said, that as part of raising awareness about cancer, the College of Pharmacy at Qatar University holds several outreach campaigns and activities.
“Pharmacy students invite faculty members and other students within QU health where they distribute pamphlets that include useful information about cancer screening and prevention for attendees, distribute pink ribbons in support of survivors, fighters, and those taken, and sometimes invite motivational speakers to share live testimonials about their experience with cancer. Campaigns in previous years included breast cancer awareness and men’s health awareness. In addition, the College of Pharmacy has significant contribution to cancer research at the national, regional and international levels,” stated, Dr Nasr
According to Dr Stephanie Atweh, teaching assistant of Clinical Pharmacy and Practice at the College of Pharmacy, it is a great opportunity to stress the importance of sharing knowledge.
“We prioritise the impact that our students and faculty have in both the outreach and community engagement as well as the richness of the curriculum in covering all aspects of cancer in both the oncology and hematology domains. This is especially true when it comes to integrating the pathophysiology, pharmacology and pharmacotherapy of cancer. I would like to encourage QU staff, faculty or students as well as the general public, to adopt a healthy lifestyle and seek life-changing habits such as consistent exercising that will help eliminate some risk factors associated with certain types of cancer.”
“Recently, other factors have been explored, such as exposure to environmental pollutants and chemicals. Uncontrolled industrialisation is usually associated with emission of pollutants into the air, water, and soil, and consequently, people exposed to these pollutants unknowingly, continually, and chronically. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared air pollution a major health problem that kills an estimated 7mn people worldwide. Data shows that nine out of 10 people breathe air that exceeds the WHO guideline limits containing high levels of pollutions,” he explained.
“ Although the mechanisms remain unclear, several mechanistic studies have demonstrated the ability of these pollutants to bind covalently to cell DNA causing the formation of DNA adducts and subsequent tumour initiation. Further studies are needed aiming at providing the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Municipality and Environment with effective intervention primary prevention strategies,” added, Dr Korashy.
Dr Ziad Nasr, assistant professor of Clinical Pharmacy & Practice Department said, that as part of raising awareness about cancer, the College of Pharmacy at Qatar University holds several outreach campaigns and activities.
“Pharmacy students invite faculty members and other students within QU health where they distribute pamphlets that include useful information about cancer screening and prevention for attendees, distribute pink ribbons in support of survivors, fighters, and those taken, and sometimes invite motivational speakers to share live testimonials about their experience with cancer. Campaigns in previous years included breast cancer awareness and men’s health awareness. In addition, the College of Pharmacy has significant contribution to cancer research at the national, regional and international levels,” stated, Dr Nasr
According to Dr Stephanie Atweh, teaching assistant of Clinical Pharmacy and Practice at the College of Pharmacy, it is a great opportunity to stress the importance of sharing knowledge.
“We prioritise the impact that our students and faculty have in both the outreach and community engagement as well as the richness of the curriculum in covering all aspects of cancer in both the oncology and hematology domains. This is especially true when it comes to integrating the pathophysiology, pharmacology and pharmacotherapy of cancer. I would like to encourage QU staff, faculty or students as well as the general public, to adopt a healthy lifestyle and seek life-changing habits such as consistent exercising that will help eliminate some risk factors associated with certain types of cancer.”