As in every March, the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), through the Screen for Life program, has launched a national awareness campaign on bowel cancer, one of the most common cancers among men and women in Qatar.

The National Breast and Bowel Cancer Screening Program, also known as Screen for Life, is a lifesaving, population-based initiative that aims to promote education, awareness, and early detection of breast and bowel cancer in Qatar. The program operates under Qatar’s National Cancer Program and aligns with the country’s National Health Strategy 2011-2016, which emphasizes a shift toward preventive and community-based care. As part of its efforts, the program launches an annual nationwide campaign to raise awareness about bowel cancer and the importance of early screening.

Throughout March, the campaign will employ a 360-degree approach, utilizing a combination of traditional and digital marketing strategies. It will also feature strategic partnerships with prominent governmental and private entities, including Qatar Museums. In addition to these partnerships, a series of educational social media posts will be shared throughout the month, and awareness booths will be set up at various health centers, along with public lectures taking place during and after Ramadan.

Bowel cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers in Qatar among both men and women, with early detection significantly increasing the chances of successful treatment. In fact, when diagnosed at an early stage, the survival rate can be as high as 90%. The campaign reinforces the crucial message that awareness and proactive screening can save lives. The campaign’s slogan, “Screen Today for a Safer Tomorrow,” encapsulates the initiative’s core mission—encouraging eligible individuals to take control of their health by undergoing timely screenings as part of prevention and early detection.

The campaign aims to educate the public about the importance of early detection and to encourage eligible individuals to undergo free bowel cancer screening using the Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT). This service is available to men and women in Qatar aged 50-74 who have no symptoms related to bowel cancer, have not undergone bowel cancer screening in the past two years, and have not had a colonoscopy in the last ten years.

Dr. Shaikha Abu Shaikha, Director of Screening Programs, urges everyone to be aware of the main symptoms of bowel cancer, which may include blood in the stool or rectal bleeding; changes in bowel habits, such as persistent diarrhea, constipation, or a combination of both lasting for more than two weeks; a feeling of incomplete bowel emptying; abdominal pain; unexplained weight loss; unexplained anemia; weakness; or fatigue. She emphasizes: “It is important to remember that experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have cancer, as they could be linked to other conditions. This is why we urge you to call 107 to consult a family physician. The physician will conduct a clinical examination and, if necessary, refer you to Hamad Medical Corporation for further tests.”

Dr. Shaikha Abu Shaikha added: “You can enroll in the program through a call from the cancer screening call center to schedule an appointment, via an electronic referral from your physician, or by calling the cancer screening call center directly at 800 1112. The breast and bowel cancer screening suites are available at five health centers across Qatar: Al Wakrah, Rawdat Al Khail, Muaither, Laibeib, and Al Sadd. These clinics are fully equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by highly trained medical professionals.”

Finally, if you are eligible or know someone who is eligible for bowel cancer screening, all you need to do is call the National Cancer Screening Call Center at 800 1112, and our team will book an appointment for you.

Be sure to follow the program on social media: @PHCC and @screenforlifeqa, and visit www.screenforlife.phcc.qa for more information about bowel cancer, its symptoms, risk factors, prevention, and other important details throughout March.