The Ministry of Public Health along with Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) and Qatar Cancer Society (QCS), partnered once again to strengthen their existing efforts to raise awareness of skin cancer throughout the summer months starting June.

The joint efforts of Qatar's healthcare partners focus on encouraging the public to limit their sun exposure between 10am and 4pm; protect their skin with clothing (including hats and UV protective sunglasses); keep babies and young children out of direct sunlight. These will reduce their risk factors and aid in leading a healthier life.

The promotion of skin cancer awareness and other cancer awareness initiatives is in line with the National Cancer Strategy (NCS), the National Cancer Framework and as part of the long-term commitment of Qatar's public health care providers and their partners to ensure the health and well-being of the population according to Qatar 2030.

In Qatar, non-melanoma skin cancer is ranked 6th and 9th amongst the most common cancers in males and females respectively according to 2015 Annual Report of the Qatar National Cancer Registry in MOPH.

Director of the National Cancer Programme, Catherine Gillespie, said that "As we move into the summer months, the skin cancer awareness activities serve as a good reminder of the steps we can all take to reduce our risk of developing this disease".

Chair, Skin Cancer Multidisciplinary Team, HMC, Dr. Nazeeha Ahmed Alhayki said that "Prevention of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer needs to begin in childhood by reducing sun exposure, tanning and the regular use of sun block. Performing a regular self-examination can alert you to any changes in your skin and aids in early detection of skin cancer; as if you can spot it you can stop it!".

Manager of Screening Programs at PHCC, Dr. Shaikha Abu Shaikha, said, "Skin cancer is a disease that affects people of every age, gender and ethnicity and it is chiefly a lifestyle disease and is highly preventable. Most cases of skin cancer are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun; therefore, to help prevent skin cancer, wear sunscreens year-round and wear protective clothing. If you notice any changes to your skin, you must consult with your family physician by calling 107 for an appointment at the health center."

Health educator at QCS, Nour Makkia, said "QCS launched a campaign to raise awareness about skin cancer in conjunction with June in order to emphasise the importance of following precautions when exposed to sunlight where UV radiation is the most important risk factor for skin cancer. There are more risk factors for skin cancer including chemicals exposure especially at workplace, such as arsenic, industrial tar, coal, paraffin and certain types of oil, etc. she also stated that risk of skin cancer is much higher for people with fair (light-coloured) skin than for dark-skinned".

Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. It occurs when unrepaired DNA damage to skin cells (most often caused by ultraviolet radiation from sunshine or tanning beds) triggers mutations, or genetic defects, that lead the skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumours. There are two main kinds of skin cancer: melanoma and non-melanoma.

The risk factors include an excessive sun exposure which is harmful to the skin. The best way to protect against melanoma is to avoid getting too much sun. This does not mean that you cant ever go out in the sun again, it just means that you need to be careful to avoid burning. You can do this by covering yourself up, spending time in the shade and using sun protection products.

Source: QNA

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Nabeela

Content Writer

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