Doha, February 03 (QNA) – Qatar, along with countries around the world, mark World Cancer Day on February 4 each year to raise global awareness of cancer, highlighting the importance of prevention, early detection, and treatment.

The world observes this occasion, which falls tomorrow (Wednesday), under the leadership of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). The observance represents a unified global effort to confront one of the most pressing health challenges facing humanity.

The theme for World Cancer Day 2025-2027, "United through Uniqueness", focuses on providing exceptional and personalized care to save millions of lives by reducing risk factors.

The State of Qatar is making significant and advanced efforts in combating cancer through comprehensive national strategies. These strategies focus on early detection, rapid diagnosis within 48 hours, and the provision of advanced treatments through the National Center for Cancer Care and Research (NCCR) at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC). The country adopts an integrated approach that includes awareness campaigns, psychological and financial support for patients through the Qatar Cancer Society (QCS), and the provision of home-based services, all aimed at improving quality of life and increasing recovery rates.

Qatar is considered the first country in the world where a patient receives secondary medical care from a specialist within 48 hours of suspected cancer, with the disease diagnosed within two weeks and treatment initiated within a further two weeks.

To strengthen national efforts in this direction, the Ministry of Public Health launched its new strategic plan for 2023–2026, entitled “Excellence for All”, in June 2023. This reflects the State of Qatar’s commitment to providing the best sustainable healthcare services for the current and future generations, in line with the directives of the wise leadership and in pursuit of Qatar National Vision 2030.

The plan strives for excellence for all by continuously improving the care provided to cancer patients, their families, and society as a whole. It also aims to further enhance the healthcare system's capacity and capabilities, ensuring that the residents of Qatar receive the best possible care, while maintaining Qatar’s position as a leader in cancer care.

The National Cancer Program has also worked to educate the community about cancer through awareness campaigns that emphasize the importance of early detection, which increases the chances of effective treatment and improved overall outcomes. When cancer is suspected, there is a need for rapid and definitive diagnosis to either rule out or confirm the disease.

In addition, the program establishes the necessary foundations to ensure continuity of care for cancer patients even after the completion of treatment, through regular follow-ups and periodic checkups.

In January, the global oncology platform OncoDaily has named HE Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Qatar Cancer Society (QCS), Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Jabr Al-Thani, among the Top 100 Most Influential Figures in Oncology for 2025. This prestigious international recognition reflects Qatar's leading role in cancer control efforts at both the regional and international levels.

This also underscores the influential global presence of Qatari health leaders in shaping health policies and developing oncology services according to international best practices. This achievement also highlights the vital role of the Qatar Cancer Society as a leading national model in supporting patients, raising community awareness, and building strategic local and international partnerships, which contributes to strengthening Qatar's presence on global oncology platforms and fosters opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange with international institutions and organizations.

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and that the most common types of cancer are breast, lung, colorectal, and prostate cancers. About one third of cancer-related deaths are attributable to tobacco use, high body mass index, alcohol consumption, low intake of fruits and vegetables, and physical inactivity.

A recent analysis by the World Health Organization and its International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) confirmed that approximately 40% of cancer cases worldwide can be prevented through avoiding tobacco use, maintaining a healthy body weight, consuming a healthy diet that includes fruits and vegetables, engaging in regular physical activity, abstaining from alcohol, and receiving vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B for individuals belonging to groups for whom vaccination is recommended.

Many types of cancer can be treated if they are detected early and managed effectively. When the disease is diagnosed at an early stage, cancer is more likely to respond to treatment, leading to a higher chance of survival, reduced morbidity, and lower treatment costs. Significant improvements in the lives of cancer patients can be achieved through early detection and by avoiding delays in care.

Accurate diagnosis of cancer is essential for appropriate and effective treatment, as each type of cancer requires a specific treatment regimen. Treatment typically includes surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapies, and biological therapies. Selecting the appropriate treatment regimen takes into account both the type of cancer and the individual being treated, and completing the treatment protocol within a defined timeframe is important to achieve the expected therapeutic outcome.

Some of the most common cancers, such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, oral cancer, and colorectal cancer, have high cure rates when detected early and treated according to best practices. Certain cancers, such as testicular cancer and various types of leukemia and lymphoma in children, also have high cure rates when appropriate treatment is provided, even when cancer cells are present in other parts of the body. Lives can be saved by expanding access to screening and early treatment, especially in settings where healthcare services are limited.

Despite significant scientific advances in cancer treatment, there remains a wide disparity in the availability of treatment between countries of different income levels. Comprehensive cancer care is estimated to be available in more than 90% of high-income countries, but in less than 15% of low-income countries. (QNA)