KUWAIT CITY, Feb 11: Kuwait has recorded a remarkable increase in cancer recovery rates over the past decade, increasing by 40 percent, a proof of growing public awareness on the importance of early cancer detection. Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Cancer Aware Nation (CAN) Campaign Dr. Khaled Al-Saleh underscored this achievement during the closing ceremony of the 11th Joint Gulf Cancer Awareness Week, with the theme, “United in Our Excellence.” Al-Saleh explained that in the past, many patients sought medical attention only during the advanced stages of the disease. He pointed out that intensified awareness efforts helped raise the recovery rates to 85 percent, confirming the effectiveness of public awareness initiatives carried out by charitable organizations and health ministries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

He revealed that CAN has played a significant role in raising community health awareness since its establishment. He said these efforts resulted in the 30 percent increase in cancer awareness among the Kuwaiti public, along with a decline in the fear and anxiety commonly associated with cancer, which has long been perceived as a fatal and chronic illness. In her speech at the event, Dr. Hessa Al-Shaheen, Head of the Executive Committee for the 11th Joint Gulf Cancer Awareness Week, stated that the activities therein coincided with the Regional Oncology Conference. She said the program this year included 45 initiatives and activities, such as seminars, workshops, exhibitions and lectures, paving the way for continuous efforts in the future. She commended the organizers for their ongoing commitment to expand awareness programs and activities, while affirming their vital role in raising community awareness and improving national recovery rates.

By Marwa Al-Bahrawi Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff