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CATHERINE W GICHUKI
Doha
Minister of Public Health HE Dr Hanan al Kuwari has confirmed the success of Qatar's National Cancer Strategy (2011-16), noting that Qatar has witnessed tremendous advances in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer since the launch of the strategy five years ago.
"Today, patients in Qatar can receive treatment by some of the best specialists who use world-class technologies and techniques," Kuwari said in a statement while attending the National Cancer Strategy Review Deliberative Forum.
The minister called for raising awareness among the public about the signs and symptoms of cancer, and to promote investments in cancer research in order to provide the best treatment possible to the people of Qatar.
Speaking at a press conference on the sidelines of the NCS 2011-16 Deliberative Forum, Chair of the Qatar National Cancer Committee Professor Lord Darzi of Denham said the achievements were a result of team work and cooperation between Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) under the leadership of the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH).
Lord Darzi, who has been involved in many cancer strategies in the UK, said what Qatar has achieved within five years is something that all should be proud of.
"Cancer is a curable condition if it is detected early. That's a great achievement when it comes to awareness. Also people are willing to go through screening for breast or bowel cancer and the number of those going for screening is much higher," he said.
He said there have been big changes in treatment in the last five years.
"PET scanning didn't exist five years ago, the technology to do specific pathology test on a piece of tissue and examining it and getting immediate results and the ability to have a patient-centered care didn't exist. There is a lot to celebrate in a very short period of time," he said.
Lord Darzi underlined that Qatar has the right to be proud of its achievements in this regard, stressing that Qatar will become very soon among world leaders and a role model for all in the field of cancer care.
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