Qatar has achieved groundbreaking milestones and achievements in the area of cancer survivorship. The country has shown immense dedication towards research, strategies, and finding effective treatments in the battle to fight cancer.

In a recent report published in The Peninsula, as per the Qatar Cancer Plan 2023-2026 (QCP), research-driven interventions and patient care have led to a rise in survival rates across various types of cancer. According to the plan, the there year survival rate rose from 65.6% in 2018 to 89.3% in 2020. Additionally, the five-year survival rate shows a massive boost, rising from 59.7% in 2016 to 80.2% in 2020.

H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, recently launched today the Qatar Cancer Plan 2023-2026, on 18 June 2023.

Under the slogan “Excellence for All,” H.E. the Prime Minister attended a presentation titled “A Journey Towards Excellence for All” and another presentation detailing the specifics of the Qatar Cancer Plan 2023-2026. The Qatar Cancer Plan 2023-2026 was prepared in cooperation with healthcare agencies in the State, with the support of experts from the World Health Organization (WHO).

The plan’s outcomes are based on improving cancer care and highlighting the importance of investing in this field to further improve the population’s general health and well-being. The plan also aims to achieve a positive return on investment and support the provision of sustainable healthcare services.

Qatar Cancer Plan 2023-2026 (Excellence for All) Launch#استراتيجية_صحية_قطر pic.twitter.com/QbYAKhomKN

— وزارة الصحة العامة (@MOPHQatar) June 18, 2023

The QCP sets out the next phase of development of cancer services in Qatar, based on an increasingly mature and robust foundation, to provide the best care for residence and achieve Excellence for All.

The Plan chapters represent different aspects of care:

• Prevention and Public Education
• Early Detection and Screening
• Quality Treatment and Ongoing Care
• Holistic Support
• Childhood Cancers.
• Surveillance and Research
• Strategic Enablers

Overarching goals were developed:

• Excellence in cancer care
• Holistic patient care, encompassing clinical, spiritual, social, and financial wellbeing
• Surveillance and data-driven planning and evaluation
• Innovation in cancer research
• Cutting-edge technologies Strategic Enablers

As per the report, Qatar Cancer Plan 2023-2026 has outlined that since 2015, there has been a slow but steady increase in incidence, likely linked to lifestyle factors, increased life expectancy, and an aging population. In 2019, incidence rates were up to 17.97 per 100,000.

The data predicts that cancer incidence will rise to 26.24 cases per 100,000 people by 2025 and up to 33.55 cases per 100,000 people by 2030. These statistics underscore the compelling requirement for increased investment in preventive and clinical services. This investment is crucial to maintain alignment with the growing demands and to ensure the continued delivery of exceptional care for individuals battling cancer in Qatar.

Therefore, the Qatar Cancer Plan 2023-2026 underlines that it is imperative to allocate resources to avert this potential escalation as a proactive measure. The Plan aims not only to prevent the rise of cancer cases but also to establish adequate infrastructure and proficiency to handle the anticipated influx in the years to come effectively.

Source: Government Communications Office, The Peninsula
Image Credit: Shutterstock (For representation purposes only)

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Rikhia Basu

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