An official speaks during the launching ceremony. WAM

These guidelines, based on the latest international practices, aim to enhance the efficiency of health workers, provide superior preventive and curative services to cancer patients, and raise awareness about the critical importance of early detection.

The updated guidelines were introduced at a training workshop held in Dubai in collaboration with AstraZeneca. Dr Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Public Health Sector at MoHAP, and Dr Buthaina Bin Belaila, Head of the Non-Communicable Disease Department at MoHAP, attended the workshop, which brought together a host of professionals from relevant sectors and departments.

The guidelines have been meticulously curated by a team of experts and specialists in the field of cancer to incorporate the latest medical research and technologies. The launch comes as part of the Ministry's continuous efforts to enhance healthcare and increase awareness regarding early screening and disease prevention.

The scientific guidelines feature current recommendations for early diagnosis, necessary examinations, and available treatments for detected cases. The guides will serve as a vital reference for healthcare professionals, assisting them in delivering appropriate healthcare and making informed decisions to improve recovery rates and patients' quality of life.

Dr Al Rand said, "The updated scientific guidelines will be used as a critical tool for improving the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of breast, colon, and cervical cancer, backed by the latest research and scientific studies. They equip individuals and healthcare professionals with reliable and comprehensive information.”

Al Rand emphasised that the Ministry's launch of the updated guide marks a significant milestone in MoHAP’s continuous efforts to enhance the skill set of healthcare providers, thereby offering better care for patients. This, in turn, contributes significantly to the reduction of cancer mortality rates, aligning with the National Plan for Non-communicable Diseases.

He noted that a primary goal of this plan is to lower cancer rates, an objective we aim to achieve through the rigorous application and periodic review of these guidelines. This endeavour falls within our broader commitment to achieving the objectives of preventive and community health programmes while also promoting health awareness in our society.

For her part, Dr Bin Belaila stressed that the Ministry consistently revises scientific guidelines to align with the latest international standards. This process involves integrating cutting-edge medical research and technologies, a task managed by a dedicated team of scientists and medical experts specialising in cancer control. This will certainly result in the guidelines becoming a trustworthy scientific reference for health professionals and society alike.

Dr Bin Belaila further elaborated that the workshop's objective was to familiarise participants with the updated evidence and its practical implementation. It aimed to enhance early detection services by adopting updated scientific methodologies. Additionally, the workshop sought to guide patients and community members on how to prevent breast, cervical, and colon cancers. It also focused on encouraging adherence to treatment plans and promoting a healthy lifestyle.

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