Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), in collaboration with key healthcare organizations, has launched a month-long campaign throughout August to raise awareness about blood cancers, coinciding with Blood Cancer Awareness Month. The initiative aims to educate the public on symptoms, risk factors, early diagnosis, and treatment options available within the country.
Blood cancers, which primarily affect the production and function of blood cells, typically originate in the bone marrow or lymphatic system. The major forms include myeloma, leukemia, and lymphoma. According to national data maintained by the MoPH, leukemia is the most common type of blood cancer diagnosed in Qatar.
The campaign, supported by the Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), seeks to inform residents about warning signs such as frequent or severe infections, unexplained weight loss, swollen lymph nodes in areas like the neck, armpits, or groin, as well as symptoms including bone or back pain, persistent fatigue, and easy bruising or bleeding. The HMC emphasized the role of awareness in promoting early testing and adopting healthier lifestyles to reduce risk.
Risk factors identified by the MoPH include aging, genetic predisposition, family history, prior chemotherapy or radiotherapy, exposure to high levels of radiation, extended contact with certain chemicals, weakened immune systems, viral infections, and autoimmune diseases. Diagnostic methods highlighted by the ministry involve a combination of blood tests, bone marrow biopsies, imaging scans such as CT, PET, and MRI, and specialized laboratory analyses to determine cancer subtype and genetic characteristics.
To potentially lower the risk of blood cancer, the ministry advises maintaining a healthy body weight, engaging in regular physical activity, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, avoiding tobacco, minimizing exposure to hazardous chemicals and unnecessary radiation, and promptly consulting healthcare providers if symptoms persist.
Treatment for blood cancer in Qatar is described as advanced and tailored to disease type and stage, employing therapies such as chemotherapy, radiation, targeted treatments, immunotherapy, and stem cell or bone marrow transplantation. The MoPH reiterated that early detection through routine blood testing improves the likelihood of successful outcomes.
Residents seeking more information or assistance can contact HMC via the Nesma’ak hotline at 16060 or the PHCC through the Hayyak service at 107.