FOCP highlights skin cancer, Cancer Survivors Month

Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP), in collaboration with the Public Health Services Department at Emirates Health Services (EHS), concluded its Skin Cancer Awareness Campaign, which aimed to raise community awareness about the importance of skin cancer prevention and early detection. The campaign featured a series of awareness activities and educational sessions held across several institutions, including Dibba Al Hisn Municipality, Sharjah Police, Al Suyoh Suburb Council, the University of Sharjah, and BEEAH, benefiting a total of 296 participants.

The campaign reflected a successful model of collaboration between the healthcare and community sectors, stemming from a strategic partnership between Friends of Cancer Patients and the Public Health Services Department at Emirates Health Services, under the leadership of Dr. Shamsa Lootah, Director of the Public Health Services Department.

The campaign was overseen by Dr. Abdalla Mohamed Al Zarooni, Board Member of Friends of Cancer Patients and Director of the Public Health Centres in Sharjah at Emirates Health Services, who led the coordination between both entities. His efforts played a key role in aligning the work of both organisations and expanding the campaign’s reach, enabling it to engage diverse segments of the community and maximise its awareness impact.

The campaign featured a comprehensive educational programme that included interactive awareness workshops focusing on skin cancer risk factors, the importance of early detection, prevention methods, and best practices for protecting the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Healthcare specialists also provided one-on-one educational consultations to address participants' questions about skin health. In addition, educational brochures and awareness materials were distributed, along with skincare and sun protection products, encouraging participants to adopt preventive behaviour and healthier lifestyles.

The campaign coincides with Cancer Survivors Month.

Commenting on the campaign's success, Dr. Abdalla Mohamed Al Zarooni, Board Member of Friends of Cancer Patients and Director of the Public Health Centers in Sharjah at Emirates Health Services, said:

"The success of this campaign reflects the importance of building effective partnerships between healthcare and community organisations to achieve a lasting impact in health awareness. At Friends of Cancer Patients, we believe that prevention begins with knowledge, and that joining forces with our partners at Emirates Health Services enables us to reach broader segments of society with evidence-based awareness messages. Through initiatives like this, we continue to promote a culture of prevention and early detection, helping reduce the risks associated with skin cancer while contributing to better quality of life across our communities."

The campaign forms part of FOCP's ongoing efforts to raise awareness of cancer prevention and promote the importance of early detection through impactful initiatives and strategic partnerships with national healthcare institutions, ultimately contributing to healthier communities and encouraging positive health practices.

Cancer Surivors Month

Coinciding with Cancer Survivors Month, and as part of its continued commitment to supporting cancer patients and survivors, Friends of Cancer Patients reaffirmed its dedication to providing a comprehensive support system that accompanies patients and survivors throughout every stage of their journey. The organisation believes that recovery does not end when treatment concludes; rather, it continues through sustained psychological, social, and emotional support that helps survivors regain confidence, reintegrate into society, and improve their overall quality of life.

Throughout the month, FOCP highlighted inspiring stories of cancer survivors who overcame the disease through resilience and determination, sharing their experiences to inspire hope and raise awareness of the challenges they faced during treatment. The organisation also continued implementing a range of initiatives and programmes focused on psychosocial support, awareness campaigns, quality-of-life enhancement, and community engagement activities designed to empower survivors and help them move forward with confidence and optimism.

These initiatives reaffirm Friends of Cancer Patients' commitment to delivering holistic care that extends beyond medical treatment by building a sustainable support system that places people at the heart of its mission. Through empowering patients and survivors and strengthening community awareness of prevention and early detection, FOCP continues to advance its vision of improving quality of life and fostering a culture of compassion and community solidarity.