‘Cancer on rise’

Manama : Statistics show that cases of cancer are, unfortunately, increasing worldwide. Statistics from the Bahrain and GCC Cancer Registry show that female breast cancer is the most common cancer, along with lung cancer is number one cancer amongst males, Dr Abdul Rahman Fakhroo, Chairman of Bahrain Cancer Society at the Gulf Campaign for Cancer Awareness, Walk-A-Thon said. 

“Cases of colorectal cancer are on the increase in both male and females as well as the prostate and ovary cancer in both sexes. Using evidence-based information; a globally recognized protocol to detect and treat cancer patients is a vitally important issue to bring these numbers down.” 

The Gulf Campaign for Cancer Awareness that was held for the third year in a row in recognition of World Cancer Day, the Bahrain Cancer Society (BCS), held a Walk-A-Thon in the Seef District that was supported by the Ministry of Works, Municipal Affairs & Urban planning and the Ministry of Health.

The event drew hundreds of participants from Ministries, schools, universities, private organizations and the general public.

Dr Abdul Rahman Fakhroo, further added, “We at BCS support the Ministry of Health and the entire Bahraini community in this regards, by running awareness campaigns, delivering information to organisations and the public and raising funds through events such as today’s Walk-A-Thon which enables us to support cancer patients and to donate state of art equipment to Salmaniya Medical Complex and other Health Centres”.

“To reduce cancer risks we encourage people to follow a healthy diet and lifestyle, regular physical exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, get regular medical check-ups and cancer screening tests, stay away from junk food full of fat, tobacco, limit the amount of alcohol you drink, and to be aware of the family history.” Dr Fakhro added. 

Essam Khalaf, the Minister of Works, Municipal Affairs & Urban Planning played an active part in the campaign and he further stated, “Supporting activities such as the walk-a-thon is very important to all of us at the Ministry. We are committed to working with public organizations such as BCS as a part of the community partnership to enhance and improve the services rendered by the Government to the public.  I am pleased to see such huge numbers of citizens and residents here participating in voluntary work and supporting efforts to help our fellow citizens, which is of a noble endeavour that reflects positively on the community”.

Dr Mohammed Amin Al Awadhi, Assistant Undersecretary for Hospitals, Ministry of Health further attended the event and praised the efforts of BCS stating, “By promoting and encouraging the citizens and residents of Bahrain to undergo regular screening and medical checks, BCS greatly assists our dedicated team of medical professionals at the Ministry of Health. Early detection and targeted treatment of patients is essential to achieve our goal of reducing incidents of cancer diagnosis and enhances the prospect of successful outcomes after treatment is completed”.