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Qatar Tribune

QCS holds awareness drive for workers

Tribune News Network Doha As part of its ongoing efforts to promote public health awareness, the Qatar Cancer Society (QCS), in collaboration with the Qatar Red Crescent, launched a comprehensive awareness campaign on the occasion of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, which is observed every June. This campaign specifically targeted the worker community through a series of intensive awareness events held at Mesaimeer Health Centre and Freej Abdul Aziz Health Centre, with the participation of medical and educational professionals and a wide turnout of workers from various nationalities and occupational backgrounds. The campaign aimed to highlight skin cancer, one of the most common cancers worldwide, with a focus on high-risk groups, particularly those working in outdoor environments who are exposed to direct and prolonged sunlight without adequate protection. The initiative sought to increase preventive awareness and encourage the adoption of healthy behaviours that reduce the risk of developing the disease. A key feature of the campaign was its multilingual approach, with educational content delivered in several languages to match the cultural and linguistic diversity of the workers. This contributed significantly to enhancing engagement and understanding, ensuring that vital health messages were communicated effectively. The campaign also included the distribution of educational brochures, visual presentations, and interactive sessions where participants could ask questions and receive expert answers. In this context, Nour Mekkia, health educator at QCS, stated: 'These awareness campaigns are a true embodiment of Qatar National Vision 2030, which places human health at the heart of national priorities. Since the Society's founding over 25 years ago, we have been committed to delivering health awareness messages to all segments of society, believing that health is a fundamental right for everyone.' She also outlined the main risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing skin cancer, including Direct and prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV radiation without protective measures such as sunscreen or protective clothing, and Daily exposure to harmful chemicals, especially in industrial and construction sectors She highlighted key warning signs that warrant attention, such as Unusual skin spots or changes in the shape or colour of existing moles, unexplained bleeding, persistent sores that do not heal and Chronic itching or peeling in certain areas of the skin Mekkia stressed the importance of early detection, which plays a decisive role in increasing survival rates, improving treatment outcomes, and minimizing complications. In conclusion, Mekkia extended her heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all supporters of the campaign, especially ExxonMobil, one of the Society's key partners in 2025, as well as the Qatar Red Crescent for its active participation in executing the awareness initiative. She underscored the importance of activating community partnerships in support of health initiatives, noting that strengthening cooperation among various institutions is a fundamental pillar for achieving comprehensive development, particularly in the health sector. 'Combating cancer is, above all, a humanitarian responsibility that requires the concerted efforts of both public and private entities to ensure the continuity of purposeful initiatives that serve the community and enhance public health and well-being.'