Doha, Qatar: The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has launched a national campaign through its Screen for Life Program to increase awareness of bowel cancer, one of the most prevalent cancers in both men and women in Qatar. The National Breast and Bowel Cancer Screening Program, commonly referred to as 'Screen for Life,' is a critical, population-based initiative aimed at fostering education, awareness, and the importance of early detection of breast and bowel cancer across the country. This program is part of Qatar's National Cancer Program and aligns with the National Health Strategy, which emphasizes a transition towards preventive and community-focused healthcare.
Each year, the program spearheads a nationwide campaign to highlight breast cancer awareness and the significance of screening. In March, the campaign will employ a mix of traditional and digital marketing strategies, forming strategic partnerships with key governmental and private organizations, including Qatar Museums. The initiative will also feature a series of educational posts on social media and set up awareness booths at various health centers, along with public lectures during and following Ramadan.
Bowel cancer stands as one of the most common cancers in Qatar, impacting both genders. Early detection greatly enhances the chances of successful treatment, with survival rates reaching as high as 90% when diagnosed promptly. The campaign encourages everyone aged 50 to 74, who are asymptomatic and have not undergone a bowel cancer screening in the last two years or a colonoscopy in the past decade, to participate in a free screening test called the Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT).
Dr. Sheikha Abu Shaikha, the Director of Screening Programs, urges everyone to familiarize themselves with the main symptoms of bowel cancer. These symptoms may include blood in the stool or rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea or constipation lasting more than two weeks, the sensation of incomplete bowel emptying, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, anemia, or fatigue.
"It is important to always remember that having one of these symptoms does not mean that you have cancer, it could be related to other conditions. This is why, we urge you to call 107 to consult a family physician. And then the physician will do the clinical examination and will ask for referral to Hamad Medical Corporation if needed,” she noted.
Breast and bowel cancer screening suites are available at four health centers throughout Qatar: Al Wakrah, Rawdat Al Khail, Muaither, and Laibeib, as well as Al Sadd.
