Kuwait leads regional efforts in cancer treatment, awareness

News report by Reem Al-Darawi KUWAIT, Feb 4 (KUNA) -- As the world marks World Cancer Day on Monday, Kuwait reaffirms its commitment to raising awareness, supporting cancer patients, and providing the latest medical treatments to combat the disease.
Every year on February 4, countries intensify their efforts to show solidarity with cancer patients and improve access to treatment, recalling the World Summit Against Cancer, held in Paris on February 4, 2000, which led to the adoption of the Paris Charter.
This charter established World Cancer Day to promote research, prevention, and treatment efforts globally.
Since then, the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), the largest global organization dedicated to cancer prevention, has been coordinating international efforts to mark this day.
Kuwait remains dedicated to enhancing awareness and delivering high-quality healthcare services to combat cancer and support those affected.
In line with this commitment, Kuwait established the Kuwait Cancer Control Center (KCCC) in 1968, a leading facility that provides specialized care to over 2,000 patients annually.
In 2016, the center's nuclear medicine department received the European certificate of quality, making it the first specialized center in the Gulf and Middle East to achieve this recognition.
In 2018, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) honored KCCC for its outstanding contributions in cancer treatment and research, and its effective collaboration with the IAEA in nuclear medicine advancements.
In October 2024, the Ministry of Health announced plans to open a new Kuwait Cancer Control Center, which is set to enhance Kuwait's healthcare system by incorporating new technology in radiation therapy and other cancer treatments.
Over the years, the ministry has launched several cancer awareness campaigns, including the national program for early detection of breast cancer, introduced in 2014, which targets women over 40, offering early detection services through five specialized centers across Kuwait.
As part of Kuwait's efforts to support and develop scientific research and improve the level of health services in the world, Kuwait has allocated the State of Kuwait Prize for the Control of Cancer, Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, to enhance regional cooperation in the eradication of diseases and to recognize people who have made outstanding contributions in the fields of prevention, control or research in those diseases.
Among the major awareness initiatives, is the National campaign for Cancer Prevention (CAN), launched in 2006, which focuses on educating the public about different types of cancer, encouraging early detection, and training healthcare professionals in cancer diagnosis.
Al-Sidra Association for Psychological Care of Cancer Patients, founded in 2012, plays a crucial role in providing emotional support and a positive environment for cancer patients, and the Patients Helping Funding Society, established in 1979, provides financial and medical support to cancer patients in Kuwait and abroad.
Beyond its national initiatives, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) actively supports healthcare institutions in various countries to curb the spread of cancer by providing appropriate treatments and supporting people with the disease, especially Syrian refugees in Jordan and Lebanon. (end) rad.dss