Tribune News Network
Doha
Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) National Center for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR) successfully concluded the Annual Breast Cancer Conference 2024, which took place on October 18 and 19.
Under this year’s theme ‘Advancing Breast Cancer Care: Innovations in Detection, Treatment, and Management’, the two-day conference united more than 250 healthcare professionals, researchers, and experts worldwide to explore the latest breast cancer detection, treatment, and care advancements.
Dr Mohamed Salem Al Hassan, CEO and medical director of the NCCCR, opened the ceremony with an inspiring speech that highlighted the significance of this conference, emphasising that it marks the 10th consecutive year of its occurrence.
He expressed gratitude for the remarkable turnout, noting the full attendance in the hall and the vital importance of collaboration in advancing breast cancer care.
The 2024 conference provided a significant platform to discuss advanced innovations such as targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs).
Attendees engaged in challenging discussions, interactive panels, and comprehensive presentations designed to enhance understanding and application of these transformative treatments in clinical practice.
Dr Salha Bujassoum Al Bader, chairperson of Medical Oncology and Palliative Care Medicine at NCCCR, director of the Center for Clinical and Precision Medicine and Genomics (CCPMG) at HMC, and chair of the Organising Committee, highlighted the implications of this high-profile conference.
She said, "The Annual Breast Cancer Conference 2024 demonstrated our progress in the fight against breast cancer. We witnessed a paradigm shift in treatment approaches that will undoubtedly reshape clinical practices, improve patient experiences, and provide renewed hope and confidence to cancer patients.”
The event featured a diverse programme of keynote speeches by esteemed international, regional, and local experts, offering comprehensive updates on the latest in breast cancer biology, biomarkers, and management strategies. By bringing together oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, primary care physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, the conference created a collaborative environment to bridge the gap between scientific research and real-world clinical practice.
"At HMC, we are committed to fostering global dialogue on the latest advancements in cancer care. This conference allowed us to share the newest innovations in breast cancer management while reinforcing our dedication to improving patient outcomes,” added Dr Bujassoum. "We were fortunate to welcome delegates from across the healthcare spectrum to be part of this transformative journey.”
"Our mission as medical oncologists is to provide personalised care that addresses patients’ physical, psychological, and emotional needs. Advancements in cancer treatment are possible only when we come together as a community of healthcare professionals. The Annual Breast Cancer Conference was an opportunity to exchange knowledge and experiences that can lead to groundbreaking improvements in patient care,” concluded Dr Bujassoum.
For decades, HMC has continued to lead the way in cancer care, emphasising the critical importance of the dedicated efforts made by the team at the NCCCR.
The outstanding work of both the clinical and non-clinical teams underscores HMC’s strong commitment to raising cancer care standards and improving patient outcomes.
This decades-long devotion serves as a testament to HMC’s leadership in the region, consistently prioritising innovative approaches and compassionate care for those fighting against breast cancer and other malignancies.