The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) announced on Wednesday, October 1st, 2025, the launch of its annual breast cancer awareness campaign, emphasizing the vital importance of early detection. Under the new slogan, “Screen Today, Protect Your Tomorrow,” this initiative aims to encourage women across Qatar to prioritize their health by undergoing timely breast screening.

The National Breast and Bowel Cancer Screening Program, also known as ‘Screen for Life,’ is a life-saving, population-based initiative aligned with Qatar’s National Cancer Program and the country’s National Health Strategy 2011-2016. It underscores a shift toward preventive, community-centered care. Each year, the program launches a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about breast cancer and promote the significance of early detection through mammogram screening.

Throughout October, this comprehensive 360-degree campaign will harness both traditional and digital marketing channels. It will feature strategic partnerships with esteemed organizations such as the Women Wellness and Research Center (WWRC), the General Retirement and Social Insurance Authority, Snoonu, Qatar Museums, the Gulf Center for Foodstuffs (Al Shamal Water), and many others, to maximize outreach and engagement.

From his side, Mr. Hassan Mohammad Zainal, Acting Manager of Health Awareness and Community Engagement Department at the Corporation, emphasized the Department’s role in supporting various directorates. He noted that PHCC attaches great importance to health awareness, considering it the first line of defense in disease prevention and in promoting the health of individuals and the community. From this standpoint, the Health Awareness and Community Engagement Department plays a key role in planning and implementing campaigns that target both the public and employees. This is achieved through the production of reliable and up-to-date health awareness content, as well as the organization of diverse educational and health awareness events and activities. The Department also ensures support to other directorates within the Corporation by providing the necessary materials for health awareness events and by engaging with various entities across the country to strengthen community engagement, ensure integration of efforts, and deliver health messages to all target groups in the best possible manner.

Breast cancer remains the most prevalent cancer among women in Qatar. However, early detection dramatically increases treatment success rates, with survival rates reaching up to 100% when diagnosed promptly. This campaign’s core message is that awareness combined with proactive screening can save lives. The new slogan, "Screen Today, Protect Your Tomorrow," summarizes this empowering call to action—urging women to take decisive steps now to safeguard their future health.

Who Should Participate in Screening?

The breast screening program is recommended for all women—citizens and residents in Qatar—aged between 45 and 69 years old, who have no symptoms related to breast cancer and have not undergone a mammogram in the past three years. Healthy women within this age group are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this essential preventative measure.

Dr. Shaikha Abu Shaikha, Director of Screening Programs at PHCC, emphasized: “If you are between 45 and 69, have not had a mammogram in the last three years, and do not have symptoms—or even if you know someone who fits these criteria—we strongly urge you to schedule a screening appointment. You can contact the cancer screening program directly at 8001112 / 40277770.” 

Breast screening clinics are conveniently located at four health centers across Qatar: Muaither, Leabaib, Rawdat Al Khail, and Al Wakrah.

Dr. Shaikha added, “Awareness is the first step in fighting breast cancer. Through this campaign, we aim to empower women with knowledge and encourage routine screening to ensure peace of mind and better health outcomes”

Stay connected with us on social media @PHCC and @screenforlifeqa, and visit our website  https://screenforlife.phcc.gov.qa/ for more information about breast cancer, including symptoms, risk factors, prevention tips, and resources throughout October.