Qatar: Qatar, along with countries around the world, marks World Cancer Day on February 4 each year to raise global awareness of cancer, highlighting the importance of prevention, early detection, and treatment. The world observes this occasion, which falls tomorrow (Wednesday), under the leadership of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). The observance represents a unified global effort to confront one of the most pressing health challenges facing humanity.
According to Qatar News Agency, the theme for World Cancer Day 2025-2027, "United through Uniqueness," focuses on providing exceptional and personalized care to save millions of lives by reducing risk factors. The State of Qatar is making significant efforts to combat cancer through comprehensive national strategies that emphasize early detection, rapid diagnosis within 48 hours, and advanced treatments provided by the National Center for Cancer Care and Research (NCCR) at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC). These strategies are supported by awareness campaigns and psychological and financial support for patients through the Qatar Cancer Society (QCS), aimed at improving quality of life and increasing recovery rates.
Qatar is noted as the first country globally where a patient receives secondary medical care from a specialist within 48 hours of suspected cancer, with diagnosis occurring within two weeks and treatment starting within an additional two weeks. To bolster national efforts, the Ministry of Public Health launched its strategic plan for 2023-2026, entitled 'Excellence for All,' in June 2023. This initiative underscores Qatar's commitment to providing sustainable healthcare services in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030.
The National Cancer Program emphasizes community education about cancer through awareness campaigns that highlight the importance of early detection. The program ensures continuity of care for cancer patients through regular follow-ups and checkups post-treatment. In January, OncoDaily recognized Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Jabr Al-Thani, HE Chairman of the Board of Directors of QCS, as one of the Top 100 Most Influential Figures in Oncology for 2025, reflecting Qatar's leadership in cancer control on a global scale.
WHO states that cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, with breast, lung, colorectal, and prostate cancers being the most common. Approximately one-third of cancer-related deaths are linked to tobacco use, high body mass index, alcohol consumption, low intake of fruits and vegetables, and physical inactivity. A recent analysis by WHO and its International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) confirmed that about 40% of cancer cases worldwide can be prevented through lifestyle changes and vaccinations against HPV and hepatitis B.
Many cancers can be effectively treated if detected early. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate treatment, which may include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapies, and biological therapies. Early detection and timely care significantly improve the chances of survival, reduce morbidity, and lower treatment costs. Some cancers, such as breast, cervical, oral, and colorectal cancers, have high cure rates when treated early.
Despite scientific advances, there remains a disparity in treatment availability between countries of different income levels. Comprehensive cancer care is available in more than 90% of high-income countries but in less than 15% of low-income countries. Expanding access to screening and early treatment, especially in resource-limited settings, can save lives.