University students showcase research projects at cancer meet
Reinforcing the youth’s role in combating cancer, the conference launched the first-of-its-kind initiative featuring abstract presentations
Reaffirming its belief in youth contribution to the healthcare sector, the 5th Combined Gulf Cancer Conference (CGCC) offered a unique plaform for university students and upcoming medical experts to share their scientific papers and theses on cancer research.
Held as part of the plenary sessions and activities on the sidelines of the conference, university students from various medical and scientific institutions in the region shared their abstract research presentations throughout the three-day event from November 21 to 23.
During the daily presentations themed `Youth in Action’, young researchers showcased their cancer control research projects and findings aimed at improving healthcare systems and cancer treatments in the GCC countries. A host of healthcare and scientific experts, particularly in oncology and cancer care, lauded the progress of initiatives taken up by the younger generation in curbing the disease.
The conference received 12 scientific theses from university students and 13 scientific abstracts from health experts in the UAE and the GCC. The best three presentations will be lauded at the closing ceremony of the CGCC, based on the evaluations by physicians and academic health leaders attending the conference as well as global cancer prevention entities.
Organised by the Friends of Cancer Patients, (FOCP), the CGCC event is hosting key healthcare leaders from the GCC countries to discuss cancer prevention and control efforts. Held in Sharjah for the first time at Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre, the conference launched the first-of-its-kind youth participation initiative under the directives of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs (SCFA), Founder and Royal Patron of FOCP, who believes in the importance of engaging youth and activating their role in noncommunicable disease forums as a key pillar to achieve sustainability in healthcare and quality of life for the people of the Gulf countries.
NEW CANCER CASES `WILL ALMOST DOUBLE’ FROM 410,000 TO 720,000 CASES PER YEAR BETWEEN 2020 AND 2040: In a special session titled `Power of Patient Knowledge: Patients’ Voice in National Cancer Control Planning’, an engaging panel of experts came together to highlight the importance of patient understanding in providing optimum disease care and prevention at the 5th Combined Global Cancer Conference (CGCC).
At the plenary session held on the sidelines of the event, hosted by leading biopharmaceutical company MSD, health specialists also addressed the process of engaging patients in control and prevention planning.
During the session, MSD reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating access to healthcare services through inclusive policies, programmes and partnerships. Today, the company continues to champion the research that seeks to elevate the level of prevention and control of all diseases that threaten individuals and communities worldwide.
Dr Suad Ben Amer, Founder of Zahra Breast Cancer Association - KSA, lauded the efforts of the health ministries in the GCC for striving to achieve excellence with rigour. “While there is still a long way to go to achieve our goals, we constantly encourage our patients to communicate needs and share experiences so as to address them accordingly,” she said.
The session included MSD representatives who highlighted that governments are the primary stakeholders in national cancer patient care plans and they underscored the importance of having good governance that ensures fundamental sufficient funding, as surveillance and monitoring are essential to evaluate performance and bridge the gaps. In its efforts to enhance cancer care services, Ms des tab li shed a forum for female cancer patients.
Katarina Gralén, (IHE) – Sweden, showcased a report including the analysis on the burden of disease for cancer and recommendations on how to improve the situation for cancer patient care across the region. She underscored the importance of combating cancer, given that it is the second leading cause of deaths in the region “Our recent report covering nine MEA countries indicated that the number of new cancer cases will almost double from 410,000 to 720,000 cases per year between 2020 and 2040, and almost half of them will encounter premature deaths. We need to handle cancer comprehensively to reduce the risks and improve the quality of life of patients based on scientific research and innovation, and achieve equal access to care,” she said.