Sharjah: The importance of establishing a reference center for cancer research was the culmination of recommendations presented by cancer researchers and GCC entities at the closing ceremony of the 5th Combined Cancer Research Conference. Gulf Cancer held in Sharjah on Wednesday.
Friend of Cancer Patients (FOCP), organizers of the conference, in collaboration with the Gulf Federation for Cancer Control (GFCC) and the Gulf Center for Cancer Control and Prevention (GCCCP), will defend the results of the recommendation, to adopt the principles of sustainable development health development, collaborate with NGOs and allow them to work to raise awareness of the need for screening and early detection.
Dr. Ali Al Zahrani, Executive Director of GCCCP, shared recommendations from cancer experts on the importance of communication and fostering a culture of medical advice.
Sawsan Jafar, Chairman of the Board of the FOCP, as well as Dr Khaled Ahmed Al Saleh, Secretary General of the Gulf Federation for Cancer Control, and Dr Ali Al Zahrani, Executive Director of the GCCCP, and the Dr Taha Al Lawati, Board Member, Omani Cancer Association
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They also highlighted the importance of harnessing modern technology, especially in early detection and treatment and its essential role and high economic viability, cost-effectiveness and value for money.
Health professionals also advocated the need to support scientific research to further develop cancer care with a focus on palliative care to provide inclusive treatment services to patients.
The importance of the media in raising awareness and correcting cancer misconceptions to achieve social acceptance, awareness and increase early detection was also highlighted during the event’s closing remarks. In addition, communication with cancer patients and survivors, to reintegrate them into society and involve them in support and awareness programs, was also included in the recommendations.
Main issues addressed
In her closing remarks, Aisha Al Mulla, Director of the OFCP, said, “This conference has addressed key issues that will challenge cancer prevention and control organizations in GCC countries to develop strategies for the development of ‘activities and programs, to focus on improving the effectiveness of cancer prevention awareness. programs, and prioritize educating the community about the importance of early detection in the fight against cancer and continuing to provide excellence in healthcare.
Sawsan Jafar, Chairman of the Board of the OFCP, along with Dr. Khaled Ahmed Al Saleh, Secretary General of the GFCC, were present during the closing remarks and recommendations of the three-day conference held at Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Center.
Award-winning research projects
Three young researchers were congratulated for their research abstract projects during the closing event. They were chosen from more than 25 presentations presented at the CCGC. In the “Youth in Action” category, Wafaa Abumustafa, a student at the University of Sharjah, came first, and Amal Bouzid, also from the same university, came second, while Sedra Kremesh from the Al Ain placed third.
In the “Field Experts” category, Robert Hierner, a researcher from the Saudi-German Hospital in Dubai, ranked first, and Poorna Manasa, a researcher from the University of Sharjah, ranked second, while that Sabreena Safuan from the University of Ajman placed third.
Dr. Zahrani thanked the OFCP for its tireless efforts to ensure the success of the conference, noting that the sixth edition will take place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia next year.