Aimed at strengthening efforts towards raising awareness about bowel cancer and the life-saving benefits of bowel cancer screening, the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has announced that Bowel Cancer Awareness Month will be conducted in March of every year.
Thus, in solidarity with the rest of the world, PHCC starting March1st will be organizing several events, activities and initiatives that include coordinating and collaborating with high footfall places like shopping malls, Mosques, fitness events, as well as traditional events such Qatar Camel Racing. This move is aimed at bringing the message about bowel cancer and bowel cancer screening closer to a wider audience and to more effectively connect with the public.
There will also be a ‘Walk for Bowel Cancer’ to be held within the Katara Cultural Village on March 12th. This activity is aimed at rallying mass support towards the fight against bowel cancer from people of all ages and all sectors of society.
Apart from disseminating information about bowel cancer, PHCC urges men and women in Qatar aged 50 years and older, with no symptoms, to undergo bowel cancer screening.
By partnering with the Ministry of Endowment, the ministry will be raising awareness on screening during the daily lectures done by Imams. On the other hand, in collaboration with popular shopping malls like the Landmark Mall and Villagio Mall, PHCC will set up Activation Booths, which will be manned by specialized liaison staff, an awareness booth will be set-up as well at Qatar Camel Racing.
Dr. Mariam Ali Abdulmalik, Managing Director of PHCC said: “The holding of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month this March provides an excellent occasion for us to further intensify our efforts in the fight against bowel cancer. At the same time, it presents a great opportunity for the community to be actively involved in our program and help save the lives of their families and loved ones.
“We want families to continue living happy and healthy lives,” she added. “It is therefore important for people to know that bowel cancer screening promotes early detection of the disease, which in turn results in its successful treatment. So save the life of your family, loved one and dear friend and encourage them to avail of our bowel cancer screening service.”
Data from Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health indicates that bowel is among the top malignant primary sites of cancer in Qatar where the age group of 50-54 years showed the highest incidence of bowel cancer in both men and women. PHCC invites men and women to book their screening schedule today by calling 8001112.