Health Authority – Abu Dhabi (HAAD) has launched a cancer awareness campaign running through March 2014 with the focus on breast, colorectal, lung, and cervical cancers.

HAAD officially launched today (October 1) the annual Cancer Wave Health Promotion Program “Live Healthy and Simply Check,” in partnership with Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (Seha).

The HAAD campaign aims to inform and motivate the general public to take the necessary steps such as undergoing regular rather than one-time screening examination, to detect and remove precancerous growths, as well as to diagnose cancers at an early stage when they are most treatable.

Dr Jalaa Taher, manager of non-communicable diseases at HAAD said: “It is unfortunate to note that while cancer is one of the leading causes of deaths in Abu Dhabi, it is highly preventable.

“Simple lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, adopting a healthy diet, engaging in more exercise and getting vaccinations can minimize the risk of people acquiring this condition. HAAD aims to use its annual Cancer Wave Health Promotion Programme as a platform for ensuring a healthier, safer and more productive future for residents in Abu Dhabi.”

Several health promotion activities will be employed under the program, including discounted or free cancer screenings; the dissemination of various materials such as brochures, booklets and infographs; the holding of various events in coordination with program partners; the placement of Educational Corners at various strategic locations; trainings for physicians and nurses; and seminars for employees and the general public as well as the use of social media.

The yearly program aims to educate the community and raise its awareness on the importance of healthy living and the early detection of cancer through periodic screenings.

Targeted primarily towards adolescent and young women as well as persons aged 40 years and above, campaign disseminates key information and promotes behaviors that can help reduce the risk of developing cancer.

It aims to increase the uptake of cancer screening and vaccinations among the public and also expand the knowledge and improve the practices of health care providers, particularly in preventing the four priority cancers identified.

According to HAAD statistics, cancer caused the deaths of 407 residents in Abu Dhabi in 2012. Cancer is currently the second leading cause of death in the emirate, accounting for an estimated 15 per cent of annual mortality.

The global statistics also show that around 30 per cent of cancer deaths are a result of five leading behavioral and dietary risks, namely a high body mass index, low fruit and vegetable intake, lack of physical activity, as well as alcohol and tobacco use. – TradeArabia News Service