In March of every year, the world unites to raise awareness around the fight against cancer. This month represents an opportunity to celebrate International Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, a global initiative that encourages members of society to screen for bowel cancer as a precautionary measure, especially since the disease may not be associated with any obvious symptoms.
Early detection refers to the use of simple tests on seemingly healthy individuals, to help identify individuals who are most at risk or who are at the early stages of the disease but possess no related symptoms.
Cancer Clinics at PHCC Health Centers
Bowel cancer screening services are available at a variety of comfortable PHCC clinics that are distinguished by their privacy. These include the Leabaib, Al-Wakra, Rawdat Al-Khail, and Muaither Health Centers, in addition to a Mobile Screening Unit. Patients can choose to screen for bowel cancer at any of these PHCC Health Centers by simply calling 8001112.
Studies on the prevalence of bowel cancer in Qatar confirm that bowel cancer ranks first among males, followed by prostate cancer, then leukemia and lung cancer. Among females, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer, followed by bowel cancer and thyroid cancer.
Through awareness messages and guidance on bowel cancer prevention, PHCC has indicated that the survival rate can reach up to 90%, if the disease is detected at an early stage, hence the importance of early screening and its role in saving lives. Screening means a greater chance to prevent and cure the disease.
PHCC urges men and women, aged 50-74 years, to adopt a preventive approach to caring for their health by booking an appointment for cancer screening at one of PHCC’s screening wards at Al-Wakra, Leabaib, Rawdat Al-Khail, and Muaither Health Centers.
Biannual screening
All it takes is a simple test. Screening should become a ritual that is carried out every 2 years or upon a doctor’s advice. A one-time test does not necessarily mean obtaining the full required preventive care. It is easier to treat bowel cancer in its early stages, and a patient is less likely to require chemotherapy.
Main tips for cancer prevention:
Eating vegetables is essential for bowel cancer prevention. Green and leafy vegetables are a main source of antioxidants and fiber, in addition to seeds, nuts, oats, chickpeas, and bran. Also, maintaining regular physical activity helps reduce excess body fat and risks associated with cancer. Likewise, periodic screening for bowel cancer every two years helps detect and treat the disease in its early stages.
Doctors also recommend staying away from diets that are rich in red and processed meat, and are transformed through salting, processing, fermentation, smoking, or other processes, in order to improve its taste or enhance its preservation, such as preserved, dried, or canned meat. It is also advised to avoid soft drinks, and eating fast food regularly, as it contains saturated fats. Doctors also warn against trans fats (unsaturated fatty acids) that are made by adding hydrogen to vegetable oil (hydrogenated oil), making the oil solid at room temperature so that foods have a longer shelf life. These oils include those used for frying at restaurants, increasing the risk of infection. Avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol is also considered a must.
Accompanying Events
Activities organized by PHCC throughout the month of March include a bowel cancer awareness campaign under the slogan “Beat it before it beats you”, in conjunction with activities of the International Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, which encourage the public to screen for bowel cancer and fight it through early detection. A series of awareness and educational messages will also be published on social networking sites. The program ambassador, Mr. Aqil Al-Janahi, is also expected to contribute by publishing awareness messages on his social media accounts, urging men and women, aged 50-74, to adopt a preventive approach to caring for their health by booking a screening appointment at one of PHCC’s wards. Additionally, PHCC will organize online awareness lectures for a number of government and private agencies.
The bowel cancer screening program is implemented within the framework of the Qatar National Cancer Program and is in line with the National Health Strategy, which aims to reduce the burden of cancer on the State of Qatar, while ensuring the provision of the best cancer services when needed and facilitating the process of improving cancer-related outcomes.
Those wishing to undergo early screening tests should call 8001112 to book an appointment, and arrive 30 minutes prior to the appointment.
For more details, please visit the website www.screenforlife.qa
