The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has engaged some influential figures on Qatari social media as part of its drive to increase awareness about the national breast and bowel screening programme — ‘Screen for Life’.
‘Screen for Life’ team recently gathered most influential figures on Qatari social media, at the Rawdat Al Khail Health Center, one of the PHCC’s three dedicated breast and bowel screening facilities.
During the event, the social media users gained extensive information about the ‘Screen for Life’ program and how it works and were told of the benefits of early cancer detection through screening in helping to save lives.
The presentation conducted by ‘Screen for Life’ team included an overview of the programme, the achievements and milestone reached during a successful first year of operations and plans for the next phase of the campaign.
Influential figures on Qatari social media were given a tour of the screening facility and a chance to experience the spa-like breast and bowel screening suite. Additionally, the visitors were introduced to the wealth and recovery services that the health centre provides. The group took photographs and videos, posting to their various social media accounts such as Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter and Facebook, urging their followers to book a screening appointment and help spread the message to their peers and relatives.
“With social media playing a big role in the society these days, this was a normal step for us in getting the ‘Screen for Life’ message to as many people as possible,” Dr Shaikha Abu Shaikha, Cancer Program Manager, PHCC, said.
“The event educated social media users about the importance of screening for cancer, they will be able to take the message to a diverse range of people. The influencer event highlighted the role social media plays in the 21st century and how it can be a powerful tool in promoting a good cause,” Dr Abu Shaikha added.
In line with Qatar’s National Cancer Program, breast cancer screening is for asymptomatic women aged 45-69 and bowel cancer screening is for men and women between the ages of 50-74 showing no related symptoms.
