Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women worldwide, both in developed and developing countries, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Worldwide, there are more than 1.38 million new cases of breast cancer each year. However, it is important to know that the disease is treatable with early detection.

Joining the fight against breast cancer, many countries, including Qatar, mark the Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October every year.

This is a time for communities to join hands and play their role in raising awareness of the disease. At the same time, the month shines a spotlight on the importance of early detection, and treatment as well as palliative care of this disease.

This month, Qatar's Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), together with its partners, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), Qatar Cancer Society (QCS), Sidra Medicine and several other partners will run a month-long campaign on breast cancer.

The campaign will see awareness activities including community events, conferences, lectures, workshops, and educational materials distribution.

Many buildings in Qatar will be lit up in pink in a show of solidarity with cancer survivors and their families.

_{Photo: US Embassy in Qatar Credit: Twitter/@USAmbQatar}

Under its efforts to combat the disease,  Qatar has implemented a National Cancer Early Detection Program which encourages women aged 45 and above to begin regular breast cancer screenings.

For all, you need to know about the screening, click here. 

Additionally, HMC also runs a breast cancer screening clinic at the National Center for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR), operated by a team of specialists from the NCCCR. One of the clinic’s services is to offer genetic counseling and testing for families at risk of inherited forms of breast and other types of cancer.

Awareness can be extremely important in saving the lives of those affected by breast cancer.

For this reason, it is extremely important for women to be aware of the causes and symptoms of breast cancer so they can quickly seek treatment, HMC stated. Here are some of the most important signs and symptoms you should know to become breast aware. 

Although uncommon, men can also develop breast cancer. It is also equally important for men to be aware of the pertinent symptoms of the disease. 

To come together with the community in the fight against breast cancer and show your support, you can join some of these events happening in Qatar this month:

1. Elite Medical Center 

Date: October 20, 2019

Time: 10 am – 12:30 pm

Location: Elite Medical Center, Al Jazeera Al Arabiya St, Bin Omran Area, Doha.

2. The 8th edition of the Torch Staircase Run

Date: October 25, 2019

Time: 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Location: The Torch Doha

Participants: Community members from all fitness levels that fit in the below age groups: 

Kids (8-11 years old) Boys/Girls, race up to the 19thfloor 

Adults (18 – 39 years old) Male/Female, race up to the 51stfloor

Masters (above 40 years old) Male/Female race up to the 51stfloor 

Registration fee: QR 200 for adults and QR 100 for juniors.

3. Desert Princess  

Date: October 22 and October 23

Time: starts at 10.30 am

Location: Desert Princess (Riveria Gardens) on October 22

                Desert Princess (Ain Khaled) on October 23

4. Screen for Life - Qatar’s National Breast and Bowel Cancer Screening program

The aim of the month-long campaign is to educate and raise awareness on the importance of early detection of breast cancer in Qatar and to promote early screening for breast cancer with a mammogram test being free for all women in Qatar aged 45-69 years.

During October ‘Screen For Life’ will conduct lectures, undertake training for physicians, operate a mobile screening unit and mount information booths in malls and health centers while implementing social media contests and awareness campaigns to promote the early screening message. Women in Qatar will also qualify for free screening at any of the three PHCC screening suites at Al Wakra, Leabaib and Rawdat Al Khail Health Centers. They simply need to make a prior appointment which can be done by calling the dedicated call center on 8001112.

The mobile screening unit will make its way to the Mall of Qatar today and tomorrow, October 4, offering free-of-charge mammogram to ladies aged 45- 69. Women will have to present a valid QID and HMC card to avail the service. 

5. Magnolia Bakery Qatar 

From every order you place at Magnoila Bakery Qatar through Talabat QR 1 will be donated to #Pinktober a special campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

6. BMI Fitness 

BMI Fitness has some great offers on this month! If you're looking to kick start your healthy journey, you may want to check out some of their offerings that include weight loss, fitness, boxing, and food and nutrition programs.

For more information and registration please call 50987777 / 50978888

7. Hamad Medical Corporation 

Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) will be running a breast and gynecology awareness campaign at Katara Cultural Village on Friday, October 18 from 5 to 9 pm. 

If you or someone you know are organizing an event in support of the Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Qatar, let us know and we will add it to our article. 

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