In parallel with the Breast Cancer Awareness Month (also known as the Pink Month) observed every October, the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), through its Screen for Life Programme, has launched an awareness campaign on early screening of breast cancer, the most common cancer among women in Qatar.
The Breast and Bowel Screening Programme, also known as Screen for Life, is a lifesaving, population-based initiative that aims to promote education, awareness and early detection of the diseases. It is being conducted under Qatar’s National Cancer Programme and in accordance with the National Health Strategy 2011-2016, which represents a shift towards preventive and community-based care.
The Breast and Bowel Screening Programme, also known as Screen for Life, is a lifesaving, population-based initiative that aims to promote education, awareness and early detection of the diseases. It is being conducted under Qatar’s National Cancer Programme and in accordance with the 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 between 45-69.
This year, the campaign is under the title 'Symptom free is not disease free…Screen to be sure' is a reminder to all the women in Qatar not to wait for the symptoms to appear.
Throughout October, the Screen for Life team will do many activities, starting from a booth in different malls, to lectures and workshops – some in partnership with the Qatar Cancer Society - distributing giveaways to patients, as well as publishing social media posts and a competition on PHCC’s Instagram account.
“This year will be our first campaign after two years of pandemic," said Dr Shaikha Abu Shaikha, director of the screening programmes at the Primary Health Care Corporation.
"Women aged 45 and above should do their routine check-up and screening even if they don’t have any symptoms. When detected at early stages, breast cancer recovery rate can reach to 90% and above.
"If you are a woman of 45 or above or know someone eligible for breast screening, all you have to do is to call the screening call center number 800 1112 and our team will book you an appointment."
Breast and Bowel cancer screening suites are available in health centres at Al Wakrah, Rawdat Al Khail, Muaither and Laibeib. All these clinics are fully equipped with the highest technology of mammogram and best trained team.
"Make sure to follow us on Social Media platforms @PHCC and @screenforlifeqa and visit our website www.screenforlife.phcc.qa to get more information about the breast cancer, its symptoms, risk factors, prevention, and many other details throughout the month of October," she added.
