Doha: The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), and Qatar Cancer Society (QCS), have launched a social media campaign to raise awareness and increase people’s understanding of head and neck cancer throughout April — which marks the International Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month.
With a focus on the quality of care provided in Qatar and the decrease in head and neck cancer cases, the joint efforts aim to increase understanding of the signs and symptoms of head and neck cancer, highlight the importance of early detection and treatment, and ultimately achieve health and wellbeing amongst the population of Qatar. The awareness messages include, “Early detection of head and neck cancer can save lives,” and “80 percent of head and neck cancers are curable when found early.”
For further information and to book an appointment with the PHCC clinic, the public can call 107 or 16060 helplines for HMC appointments. People are encouraged to feel both sides of the neck and the area under the mandible (lower jaw) for any swelling or change in the symmetry of both sides and check the mouth cavity and tongue for any ulcers, red discolorations, or swelling.
“Visit your dentist regularly,” said the Ministry in one of its awareness messages. Quitting tobacco products, smoking, and adopting a healthy lifestyle also decrease head and neck cancer risk. Besides, in line with the National Cancer Strategy and the National Cancer Framework, this awareness initiative, among many others, is part of Qatar’s public healthcare providers and their partners’ long-standing commitment to ensuring health and wellbeing of Qatar’s population to meet the Qatar National Vision 2030.
Cancers of the head and neck include tumours in areas above the collarbone, with the three major subdivisions including oral cancer, laryngeal cancer, and nasopharyngeal cancer. This type of cancer typically starts in the mouth, nose, throat, larynx, sinuses, or salivary glands. There is a significant gender divide in the incidence rate for head and neck cancers, with three times as many men affected as women.
The most common head and neck cancers are nasal cavity, sinus, lip, mouth, salivary gland, and throat or larynx cancers. While these cancers are less common than others, they are dangerous and some of the most complex to treat. In 2015, head and neck cancers accounted for approximately 4% of total malignant cancers in Qatar, among which more than 60% of the cases diagnosed were in their late stage.
According to the National Qatar Cancer Registry, most cases occur in adults aged between 45 and 49 years.
