The Breast and Bowel Cancer Screening Program, which is planned and being implemented by the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), is expected to gain further public attention with the appointment of Qatar’s highly regarded theatre and TV personality, Adel Al Ansari, as its Bowel Cancer Screening Awareness Ambassador and Key Endorser.
Adel Al Ansari started acting in theatres at the age of five. He then appeared in several TV shows as well as starred in numerous promotional campaigns for big companies. A highlight of his acting career was when he played the lead role in the opening ceremony presentation for the Doha Asian Games in 2006. Apart from his successful profession in show business, Adel is a double university degree holder in Architecture and History from Qatar University and Beirut Arab University in Lebanon, respectively.
Dr. Mariam Ali Abdulmalik, Managing Director of PHCC, commented: “We are truly excited to have such a well-liked celebrity like Adel help us in our life-saving bowel cancer awareness and screening initiative especially with March being the month for Bowel Cancer Awareness. He enjoys tremendous following among citizens and residents of Qatar, and that will bring positive results to our core objective—which is encouraging both men and women 50 years or older, with no symptoms, to undergo bowel cancer screening through FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test) as soon as possible, and annually thereafter, as recommended by the Supreme Council of Health of Qatar.”
Bowel cancer has been determined by Supreme Council of Health as accounting for 10.55% of the top malignant primary cancers in Qatar. SCH data further shows that the age group of 50-54 had bowel cancer incidence of 15.2% in males and 18.4% in females.
“I am deeply honored to have been chosen by PHCC to play a vital role in raising awareness among citizens and residents of Qatar on the importance of bowel cancer screening,” Adel said. “I fully understand that early detection of bowel cancer can actually increase the chances of its successful treatment. Therefore, I intend to work closely with PHCC in order to influence and encourage people to undergo bowel cancer screening for their peace of mind as well as of their families.”
Men and women with a personal or family history of bowel cancer or inflammatory bowel disease are strongly encouraged to undergo bowel cancer screening. Risks for bowel cancer include age (50 years or older), a low-fiber and high fat diet, a sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, obesity, smoking, heavy alcohol drinking and radiation therapy directed at the abdomen for treatment of previous cancer. Those exposed to such risks are encouraged to get screened. .
Pre-cancerous polyps—abnormal growths inside the colon or rectum—can develop into bowel cancer. However, if detected early through screening, these can be removed before turning into cancer.
Accordingly, early detection of bowel cancer through regular screening is encouraged because studies made by the Colon Cancer Alliance indicated a 90% survival rate from the disease when caught at an early stage.