QCS and ‘Hour and Hour’ Programme Join Hands to Raise Cancer Awareness
Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) has joined forces with the ‘Hour and Hour’ programme to launch the second edition of “We Meet for Awareness,” an initiative aimed at increasing public understanding of cancer. This special event coincided with World Cancer Day and Qatar’s National Sport Day, emphasizing the role of physical activity in maintaining health and preventing diseases, including cancer.
The event was attended by health professionals, athletes, technology experts, and members of the general public. A key highlight was the unveiling of the ‘Window of Hope’ logo, symbolizing resilience, optimism, and the collective fight against cancer.
Raising Awareness Through Community Engagement
Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Jabor Al Thani, Chairman of Qatar Cancer Society (QCS), stressed the importance of spreading awareness and educating people about cancer prevention and early detection.
“Our commitment to the ‘We Meet for Awareness’ initiative is an ongoing effort to improve public understanding of cancer. Early detection saves lives, and through events like this, we can spread this crucial message across all segments of society,” he stated.
He further emphasized that partnerships and collaborations with different organizations are key to amplifying cancer awareness efforts and ensuring a healthier, well-informed society.
Tamani Al Yafei, CEO of the ‘Hour and Hour’ programme, also spoke about the event’s significance. She explained that the goal of this initiative is to spread hope, celebrate success stories, and highlight scientific and technological advancements in cancer research and treatment.
Al Yafei pointed out that by bringing together experts, athletes, artists, and cancer survivors, the event provided a platform for sharing inspiring stories of resilience and strength, helping to remove the stigma surrounding cancer and encourage open discussions about the disease.
A Strong International Presence
The event gained international recognition, with several embassies taking part and sharing messages of solidarity and support. This participation reflects the global importance of collaborative efforts in fighting cancer.
Embassy representatives praised Qatar’s initiatives in health awareness and stressed the importance of early detection, healthy lifestyles, and advanced medical research in tackling cancer worldwide. Their presence also reinforced the idea that cancer awareness is not limited to one country but is a global responsibility.
The Role of Physical Activity in Cancer Prevention
The timing of the event, aligning with Qatar’s National Sport Day, reinforced the well-established link between regular physical activity and cancer prevention. Scientific research has shown that an active lifestyle can reduce the risk of developing certain cancers, including breast, colon, and lung cancer.
By combining sports and health awareness, the event successfully promoted a holistic approach to well-being, encouraging attendees to incorporate fitness into their daily lives as a proactive step against diseases.
Dr. Ahmed Al Kuwari, a specialist in preventive medicine, spoke about the role of lifestyle choices in reducing cancer risks:
“Maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption significantly lower the chances of developing cancer. Events like this are crucial in educating the public about these preventive measures.”
Empowering Cancer Survivors and Families
One of the most impactful aspects of the event was the participation of cancer survivors, who shared their personal journeys of struggle and triumph. Their stories served as powerful reminders that cancer is not an automatic death sentence, but rather a challenge that can be faced with early detection, the right treatment, and a strong support system.
Cancer survivors spoke about the importance of mental health, emotional support, and community engagement in their recovery journeys. Their presence at the event inspired many and reinforced the message that no one has to fight cancer alone.
One survivor, Fatima Al Naimi, shared her emotional journey:
“Being diagnosed with cancer was one of the toughest moments of my life, but with the right medical support and the encouragement of my family and friends, I found the strength to fight. Raising awareness about early detection and sharing real-life experiences can help others face their own battles with hope and determination.
The Power of Science and Innovation in Fighting Cancer
The event also showcased the latest developments in cancer research, treatment, and technology. Experts highlighted the importance of early diagnosis and advanced medical treatments that have significantly improved survival rates in recent years.
Dr. Mariam Al Suwaidi, an oncologist from Hamad Medical Corporation, spoke about the evolving landscape of cancer treatment:
“We are seeing incredible progress in cancer research, from targeted therapies to immunotherapy, which have transformed how we treat different types of cancer. These advancements give hope to patients and emphasize the need for regular screenings and awareness campaigns.
The discussions focused on how technology and artificial intelligence (AI) are being integrated into cancer detection, making diagnosis faster and more accurate. Innovative screening methods, genetic testing, and personalized treatments were among the key topics discussed by experts at the event.
Future Goals: Expanding Awareness and Accessibility
As Qatar continues to lead in health awareness initiatives, the success of the “We Meet for Awareness” event serves as a stepping stone for future projects. Organizers hope to expand outreach efforts, making cancer education and screening more accessible to everyone, especially vulnerable groups.
QCS and ‘Hour and Hour’ plan to collaborate further with schools, workplaces, and community organizations to ensure that cancer prevention strategies reach a wider audience.
Tamani Al Yafei emphasized the programme’s future vision:
“We want to make cancer awareness a year-round conversation, not just a single event. The more people we educate, the more lives we can save. Our goal is to turn awareness into action.
Conclusion
The ‘We Meet for Awareness’ event successfully combined education, sports, personal stories, and scientific discussions to promote cancer awareness. The strong international participation, inspiring survivor testimonials, and focus on early detection and prevention highlighted the importance of a unified fight against cancer.
With ongoing efforts from organizations like QCS and ‘Hour and Hour’, Qatar is taking significant steps toward building a healthier, more informed society. The message from this event was clear: early detection, healthy living, and collective support can make a difference in the battle against cancer.
As Qatar continues to push forward with innovative health campaigns, events like these serve as reminders that awareness, action, and hope are powerful tools in the fight against cancer.
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