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Series of activities and discussions highlight early detection, public awareness, and collaboration as key to advancing the fight against breast cancer
Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI) commemorated Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a series of initiatives highlighting the vital role of early detection, community engagement, and innovative research in the fight against breast cancer.
Throughout October, researchers from QBRI’s Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC) organized awareness sessions, panel discussions, and collaborative events aimed at educating the community on breast cancer prevention, early detection and the latest research advancing diagnosis and treatment to improve patient outcomes.
As part of these efforts, QBRI conducted several outreach sessions across Qatar, including at the National Center for Cancer Care and Research, the Embassy of Senegal in Qatar, and through its participation in Relay For Life — a global initiative of the American Cancer Society that brings communities together to celebrate cancer survivors and raise awareness about cancer prevention and research.
To further strengthen its awareness and engagement initiatives, QBRI partnered with the Qatar Cancer Society (QCS), to host a panel discussion titled “Research, Treatment, and Survivorship.” The event brought together leading researchers, clinicians, advocates, and survivors, providing an introspective and diverse dialogue on how research, clinical care, and lived experience intersect to advance the fight against breast cancer in Qatar and beyond.
Moderated by Dr. Fares Al-Ejeh, Senior Scientist, QBRI, it featured Dr. Vladimir Katanaev, Scientific Director, QBRI, Dr. Salha Bujassoum Al Bader, Senior Consultant, National Center for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR), Dr. Mohammed Eltagalawi, Development Researcher, Qatar Cancer Society, and Raghida Sobh, a breast cancer survivor and educator.
The panel underscored the importance of increasing breast cancer screening uptake in Qatar, the role of high-risk and hereditary cancer clinics, and the impact of community awareness campaigns led by QCS. Panelists discussed the evolving landscape of breast cancer care, highlighting the long-term experiences of survivors and emphasizing the importance of quality of life, psychosocial support, and structured survivorship care plans. The discussion also called for stronger integration between community, clinical, and research efforts to establish a more cohesive and patient-centered framework for cancer care in Qatar.
Commenting on the campaign, Dr. Omar Albagha, Acting Executive Director, QBRI stated: “QBRI is committed to advancing biomedical research that leads to improvement in human health, a mission reflected in the work of our Translational Oncology Research Center. Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves as an important reminder that scientific progress, community awareness, and early screening must work in synergy to reduce the burden of breast cancer. At HBKU, we are dedicated to raising awareness and empowering individuals with knowledge, contributing to global efforts to enhance prevention and treatment of this disease.”
Building on these activities, HBKU will continue to engage in awareness and outreach initiatives demonstrating its commitment to advancing public health initiatives and its role in addressing pressing regional and global challenges.
