GCC's Cancer Awareness Campaign kicks off in Riyadh

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Monday 01 Feb 2016 - 13:16 Makkah mean time-22-4-1437 Riyadh, (IINA) - Saudi Arabia’s Health Minister Khalid Al-Falih launched on Sunday the GCC Cancer Awareness Campaign in all GCC countries to mark World Cancer Day, which falls on February 4, Arab News reported. The campaign was launched under the slogan “40/40” on the basis of scientific evidence, which shows that 40 percent of cancers can be prevented by following a healthy lifestyle and habits of nutritional health, physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight, while the other 40 percent can be cured if diagnosed early and treatment occurs at the right time. The theme of the campaign, “40 percent protection, 40 percent cure”, is expected to be implemented throughout the countries of the region. Falih launched the program in his capacity as the chairman of the 40th session of the Council of Health Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council. The week’s program was held in conjunction with member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) to observe the World Cancer Day. Al-Falih pointed out that timely diagnosis will help cure the disease with proper treatment. Director General of the Executive Bureau of the Council of Health Ministers of the GCC Dr. Tawfiq Khoja said that the cases of cancer in the Gulf region are expected to increase during the coming decade due to the change in lifestyle and the increase of risk factors, including smoking, obesity, lack of physical activity, and other environmental causes. He noted that the campaign aims to raise awareness of the risk factors leading to cancer and to encourage public health, and protect the environment (water, food and air). The campaign will also raise the level of health awareness about early detection of cancer and its importance in improving the chances of recovery, and activation of national programs to fight cancer, he added. Khoja expressed gratitude to the staff of the Ministry of Health and all the committees and organizers for the efforts they exerted to launch such an important campaign. AG/IINA