AReason to Screen

By Sarah Palmer

Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally after cardiovascular disease, responsible for nearly 1 in 6 deaths, and is one of the world's largest health problems.

Qatar has some of the best facilities and treatment plans available, both for those at risk and patients who have been diagnosed with cancer, led by Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), the state healthcare provider. Cancer treatment at HMC is free for all residents.

The National Center for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR) is the leading cancer hospital in Qatar and part of HMC, and looks after cancer patients who require ongoing treatments such as chemotherapy, targeted hormone immunotherapy and radiotherapy. NCCCR also treats benign and malignant hematology disorders and provides bone marrow transplants.

There is continuous progress in the treatment of tumours and medicine in general at NCCCR, with cutting edge services using state-of-the-art equipment. The clinical departments cover the full range of cancer services, including urgent care, haematology, oncology and palliative care.

Cancer care is one of the healthcare services that have been expanding in the last few years, leading to the Qatar National Cancer Strategies.

The National Cancer Strategy 2011–2016 gave a number of recommendations for improving the service offered to cancer patients, which translated into direct improvements in patient care at NCCCR. The subsequent National Cancer Framework 2017–2022 built on the significant progress made, with an increased focus on understanding the patient experience and working with patients in the development of services.

In May 2023, HMC signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) to support many of HMC's innovative projects. The document outlines the aims by both organisations to provide funding support for cancer control projects, like patient experience, improving facilities for cancer patients, improving cancer care, and employee participation in the field of cancer control. The collaboration will allow for services to be delivered with a person-centred approach to care, enhancing the patients' experience in HMC, as well as provide staff development.

In partnership with HMC, QCS, Primary Health Care Corporation, Sidra Medicine, the National Cancer Program, and Qatar Red Crescent, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has launched the first Guide to Cancer Care Services, to make it easier for people with suspicion or diagnosis of cancer to access care services, navigate the healthcare system, and have a smooth effective experience throughout their treatment journey.

Each year HMC participates in monthly cancer screening initiatives – in April for bowel cancer, and in October for breast cancer. But did you know that breast and bowel cancer screening is available in Qatar all year round and is a completely free service?

Screen for Life is the national cancer screening programme, offering the service to all eligible individuals. Screening is essential to detect cancer before it has a chance to progress. Under the Qatar’s National Cancer Program, the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) is making breast and bowel screening available throughout the country.

PHCC provides state-of-the-art screening facilities, a team of leading physicians and advanced technical equipment to help reduce risk of cancer through early detection.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Qatar, accounting for 31% of all cancer cases in women, according to the National Cancer Registry.

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) recommends breast cancer screening every three years for women aged 45 and older, regardless of whether there are any symptoms or not. However, individuals of any age can contact the PHCC screening centre if they are considered at risk due to family history, a prior malignant or pre-malignant occurrence of breast disease, or a genetic predisposition.

Screening is performed with a simple, non-invasive exam called a mammogram, which provides a lowdose X-ray picture of the breast. The mammogram will take place in a private exam room. The entire exam takes about 20 minutes with only minimal discomfort in most cases. In the event of an abnormal mammography reading, the patient will be referred to Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) for further assessment.

Bowel cancer screening is available for men and women aged between 50 and 74 and without symptoms. Bowel cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer in Qatar, and has been determined by the World Health Organization as among the leading causes of death worldwide. For this reason, MoPH recommends undergoing bowel cancer screening every two years.

The bowel cancer screening service is via a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) kit test. It tests for hidden blood in the stool, which can be an early sign of cancer. Again, for any abnormal test result, referral is made to HMC for further assessment.

Participants can access the breast and bowel screening services by an invitation from the dedicated call centre, by referral from a physician, or self-referral by calling the call centre directly.

To learn more about bowel cancer and bowel cancer screening and to make an appointment, visit screenforlife.phcc.qa, call 800 1112 m