Fourth annual 'Health Conference on Preventing Lifestyle Diseases' sheds light on proactive strategies for national health

Sharjah 4th May 2013: Friends of Cancer Patients (FoCP) - the cancer-specific charity - stressed the importance of supporting cancer awareness efforts in the UAE community and spreading awareness on the necessity of early detection of the disease, stating that chemotherapy is no longer a concern keeping in view the advanced medical research and the ongoing development in cancer control all over the world.  

This statement was made during FoCP's participation at the 4th annual Health Conference on Preventing Lifestyle Diseases, which was held under the patronage and in the presence of HH Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al-Qasimi, wife of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, Founder and royal Patron of the Friends of Cancer Patients charitable society (FoCP) at Al Razi Hall, Colleges of Medicine Cluster at the University City Campus in Sharjah. The conference was organised by the Health Promotion Department at the Supreme Council for Family Affairs. 

During the conference, which took place on the 1st and 2nd of May, FoCP delivered two presentations on the KASHF cancer early detection programme on day 1 and on successful cancer chemotherapy on day 2.

In the presentation by Dr Sawsan Al Madhi, Secretary General for the Friends of Cancer Patients charitable society (FoCP), light was shed on the Kashf initiative which aims to provide early detection methods for various cancers including breast, cervical, prostate, skin, and colorectal.

Kashf initiative which led to the launch of Pink Caravan's breast cancer awareness campaign in 2011, has achieved remarkable success. It has led to an increase in awareness about breast cancer within the community, and has provided free of charge early detection screenings to more than 21,795 people, men and women, Emiratis and expatriates.

In the second presentation, Dr Al Madhi discussed in detail the process, functions and benefits of chemotherapy and how it destroys cancer cells.

She briefed attendees on the various types of chemotherapy, which differ according to the type of cancer cells and their rate of growth. Dr Sawsan also explained the side effects of chemotherapy, which differ from patient to patient according to the type and period of treatment as well as patient health. She noted that most of the side effects are temporary and gradually disappear after the completion of treatment.

Speaking about chemotherapy, Dr Sawsan remarked, "Some patients fear chemotherapy, because of inaccurate information about its side effects. And this is despite the fact that these misconceptions can easily be dispelled by studying the numerous researches conducted in the field of medicine. The new drugs have minimal side effects that can also be prevented".

"Patients must be made fully aware of the potential side effects and how best to respond to these in order to avoid any medical or psychological repercussions", she added.

The conference was held in collaboration with supporting parties such as Friends of Cancer Patients (FoCP), Breastfeeding Friends (BFF), Friends of Kidney Patients (FoKP), the Friends of Arthritis Patients Society (FAPS,) and the Friends of Diabetes Patients Society.

The conference included seventeen presentations on various topics such as health education, kidney disease, diabetes, breastfeeding, risks of arthritis, and other topics related to the conservation of food and a healthy life at home.

About Friends of Cancer Patients
The Friends of Cancer Patients (FoCP) is a UAE-based charitable organisation that functions under the umbrella of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah providing its services across the United Arab Emirates.

FoCP was established in late 1999 in accordance with the directives and under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed AI Qasimi, wife of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, Founder and royal Patron of the Friends of Cancer Patients charitable organization (FoCP).

Being the only cancer specific charity operating in the UAE, FoCP, an NGO and registered charity, has since its inception continuously delivered moral, financial, and clinical support to over 900 patients and their families, regardless of their nationality, gender, age, religion, or ethnicity. The primary focus is on promoting awareness around early detectable cancers within the UAE community. FoCP has also initiated numerous leading cancer focused awareness programmes targeting the community, which have become recognised locally, regionally, and internationally.

FoCP is committed to helping cancer patients and their families get through the long and arduous journey of cancer treatment. Their motto is "We're with you". FoCP provides a broad spectrum of support including, covering treatment expenses for chemotherapy, radiation and other needed medications, in addition to expenses for investigative and surgical procedures. They also provide transportation and food allowances for underprivileged cancer patients, facilitate in sending patients abroad for treatment, provide prosthetic limbs, medical equipment, psychological and moral support for patients and their families.

FoCP's volunteer team consists of businessmen and women, doctors, nurses, students, and the families of patients from various nationalities who have undertaken the responsibility of helping and supporting cancer patients.  FoCP is constantly raising the bar and setting new targets to expand on its achievements to date and empower the community to change the cultural and social stigma associated with cancer.

FoCP is a member and affiliate of a number of different organisations including, the Kuwait-based Gulf Federation for Cancer Control, the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) based in Geneva Switzerland, and the US-Middle East Partnership for Breast Cancer Awareness and Research which is supported by the US Department of State's Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI). FoCP has garnered widespread recognition and awards from numerous leading institutions, locally, regionally, and internationally for FoCP leading role in helping cancer patients and creating awareness about the disease.

© Press Release 2013