Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), in collaboration with its partners in the health sector, is joining the global community in marking World Cancer Day on 4 February, under the theme "United by Unique".
The observance of World Cancer Day is a leading example of active partnership and ongoing collaboration between the MoPH and key stakeholders in cancer control, including Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), Sidra Medicine and Qatar Cancer Society (QCS).
It aims to promote access to people-centred health systems, highlight the unique nature of each cancer journey from diagnosis to recovery, dispel myths and stigma associated with the disease, and educate the public on cancer prevention, early detection and the importance of timely diagnosis. As part of this occasion, the Ministry is intensifying awareness efforts to educate community members about cancer.
Director of the Department of Non-Communicable Disease Prevention Programmes at MoPH, Sheikh Dr Mohamed bin Hamad Al-Thani said: "World Cancer Day is a reminder that prevention and timely diagnosis are shared responsibilities. We will continue working with partners across all sectors to reduce risk factors, expand access to evidence-based services, and ensure that every person can reach screening and care without delay, with dignity and confidence".
He added: "Prevention is our strongest tool; closing gaps in cancer outcomes starts by ensuring that every person, regardless of background, can understand the risks they may face and access services without delay. This is not only a clinical priority, but also a national duty grounded in dignity, fairness and social solidarity. Today, we renew our partnership across government entities, healthcare providers, civil society, academia and the private sector to protect lives and build a healthier Qatar for generations to come."
QCS Chairman Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Jabr Al-Thani said: "World Cancer Day reaffirms that every cancer experience is unique, and that people-centred care is not merely a slogan, but a practical approach that makes a real difference in the lives of patients and their families. The State of Qatar has made tangible progress in this area through its continued support for the development of a comprehensive healthcare system that prioritises prevention and early detection and provides high-quality therapeutic and supportive care in line with international best practices.
He added: "In this context, QCS plays a pivotal role in supporting people living with cancer, empowering them psychologically and socially, enhancing community awareness, and working hand in hand with national and international partners to embed a comprehensive, people-centred approach to cancer care. Listening to individuals’ needs, enabling them to participate actively in their care journey, and strengthening integration across the continuum of care are key pillars for improving outcomes and quality of life. We remain committed to supporting more inclusive and equitable health policies that place people at the heart of cancer control."
Chief Executive Officer and Medical Director of the HMC National Centre for Cancer Care and Research, Dr. Mohamed Salem said: "At HMC, we continue to strengthen Qatar’s national cancer services through an integrated, patient-centred approach that provides patients with world-class specialist cancer care, including cutting-edge diagnostics, advanced treatments and long-term follow-up. Through the National Centre for Cancer Care and Research and our partnerships across the healthcare sector, we are committed to ensuring that every patient has access to high-quality, timely and comprehensive cancer services. On World Cancer Day, we reaffirm our shared commitment to improving outcomes and delivering world-class care for our community."
Director of PHCC Screening Programmes, Dr Shaikha Abu Shaikha said: "On this World Cancer Awareness Day, we stand united in our mission to reduce the impact of cancer on our communities. Raising community awareness remains our strongest tool; together, we can prevent many types of cancer by adopting healthy lifestyles and undergoing regular screening whenever appropriate".
She added: "This is why the National Breast and Bowel Screening Programs were established, to provide essential, high-quality screening services that play a vital role in protecting the health and well-being of our community. I invite women aged 45-69 years to participate in breast screening, and men and women aged 50-74 years to participate in bowel screening. I also encourage everyone to stay informed, as by working together we can make a tangible difference in reducing the burden of cancer on our community."
For her part, Acting Chief of Paediatric Haematology, Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation at Sidra Medicine Dr. Chiara Cugno said: "Paediatric cancer care is not only about treating the disease; it is about caring for the whole child. On World Cancer Day, we reaffirm our commitment to delivering multidisciplinary, high-quality paediatric haematology-oncology and bone marrow transplantation care that reflects our team’s HOPE motto: Health, Outcome, Progress and Education, through clinical excellence, research-driven advancement, genuine partnership with families, and training the next generation of compassionate physicians and healthcare professionals".
He stressed: "We also believe that no child should face cancer without timely access to specialised care, as outcomes improve when diagnosis and treatment are delivered early in expert centres. At Sidra Medicine, we remain committed to equitable, life-saving care for every child in Qatar who needs it."
MoPH continues to promote a prevention-oriented approach to cancer across all elements of the health system, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the National Health Strategy. Reducing risk factors and improving timely diagnosis is the most effective and sustainable way to lessen the burden of cancer and other non-communicable diseases.
This requires sustained support for healthy lifestyles, strengthening health awareness, expanding access to evidence-based screening and diagnostic services, and harnessing data and innovation to improve health outcomes and reduce the burden of cancer through informed choices.
