Ministry raises awareness of head and neck cancer

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), the Hamad Medical Society (HMC), the Society of Primary Health Care (PHCC) and the Qatari Cancer Society (QCS) are joining forces to strengthen ongoing efforts to raise awareness and increase understanding of neck cancer throughout this month.

April is considered the International Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month.

By focusing on the quality of care provided in Qatar and reducing the number of cases of head and neck cancer, joint efforts aim to increase understanding of the signs and symptoms of head and neck cancer. , stress the importance of early detection and treatment, and ensure the health and well-being of the people of Qatar, said the MSP in a statement.

The most common cancers of the head and neck are cancers of the nasal cavity, sinuses, lips, mouth, salivary glands and throat or larynx. Although these cancers are less common than others, they are dangerous and are among the most complex to treat.

In 2015, head and neck cancers accounted for about 4% of all malignant cancers in Qatar, of which more than 60% of diagnosed cases were in advanced stages. Most cases occur in adults aged 45 to 49, according to the Qatar National Cancer Registry, Ministry of Public Health.

Catherine Gillespie, Director of the National Program for the Control of Cancer at the MoPH, noted that Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month aims to encourage people to take steps to reduce their risk of developing this type of cancer .

"Quitting smoking or quitting smoking, including shisha, is probably the most effective way to reduce the risk of developing head or neck cancer. Support services for people who want to quit are available and can be accessed by calling the PHCC Hayak Team at 107 or the HMCS Nesma'ak Team at 16060, "she said.

"I take this opportunity to raise awareness of the risk of smoking in all its forms, including smoking and chewing. The symptoms can be as simple as a sore throat that does not go away or an ulcer in the mouth or a sore that does not heal. Like any other cancer, when detected early, most cancers of the head and neck can be treated and cured, "said Dr. Mohamed Ussama al-Homsi, senior consultant to the department. Oncology of HMC.

Dr Shaikha Abu Shaikha, head of screening programs at PHCC, explained that a rapid referral process was in place between PHCC and HMCs for suspected cancer cases. "If doctors suspect a risk of head and neck cancer, the patient will be referred to HMC within 48 hours for further testing, and experienced HMC staff will conduct appropriate investigations and manage the case as needed. "

Hiba Nbader, head of the health education department of the QCS, said the authorities will continue to raise public awareness about the importance of early detection, risk factors, signs and symptoms. symptoms as well as methods of preventing cancer of the head and neck. This goal will be achieved through awareness campaigns and workshops for all members of the community, as well as the launch of electronic campaigns via social media accounts.