Doha, November 01, 2026 : The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), in partnership with the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Sidra Medicine and the Qatar Cancer Society (QCS), has expanded nationwide efforts to raise breast cancer awareness and encourage early screening throughout October 2026.
Held under the slogan “Your Strength Begins with Early Detection,” this year's campaign featured 13 awareness activities across workplaces, schools and community centres. A complementary digital campaign provided information on risk factors, prevention measures and how to access routine screening services.
As part of the initiative, the National Cancer Program organised a central awareness event at the MoPH headquarters. An interactive educational pavilion offered visitors informational materials, answered questions about breast cancer and its risk factors, and provided guidance on clinical pathways and early detection services available in Qatar.
According to the latest National Cancer Registry figures, Qatar recorded 567 breast cancer cases, including localised tumours, in 2023. Women accounted for 562 cases (99.12%), while five cases (0.88%) were reported among men. By nationality, 162 cases (28.57%) involved Qatari citizens and 405 (71.43%) involved non-Qatari residents.
Data from the Qatar Cancer Information Center's Early Detection Registry shows that 71,829 mammograms were conducted between 2016 and December 2025, with 49,276 women undergoing at least one screening during that period. From January through September 2026, a further 7,024 women received mammograms through the Breast Cancer Early Detection Program.
Qatar is also expanding regional and international cooperation to improve screening quality and strengthen national and regional capabilities. Its initiatives include working with the Gulf Center for Disease Prevention and Control (GCDC) on the Gulf Training Program and participating in the Gulf Working Group on Improving the Quality of Early Detection.
Through these platforms, Qatar has shared its experience in monitoring, evaluation and engaging beneficiaries. The country also continues to cooperate with the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
In addition, Qatar has contributed to discussions under the WHO-led Global Breast Cancer Initiative, including reviews of global survival estimates and the provision of national data and technical input. A study published in Nature Medicine, covering 194 WHO member countries, placed Qatar among the highest-ranking countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region for women's five-year net survival rates for breast cancer.
At the national level, the MoPH continues to work with healthcare partners to strengthen prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment services, with the aim of improving patient care and quality of life.
The Ministry confirmed that free breast cancer screening is available throughout the year through the National Program for Early Detection of Breast and Bowel Cancer at Al Wakra, Leabaib, Rawdat Al Khail and Muaither health centres.
Women aged 45 to 69 who have no symptoms and have not undergone screening in the past three years are encouraged to book a free mammogram. The Ministry recommends screening once every three years for this eligible group, highlighting the role of early detection in improving treatment and recovery prospects.
Appointments can be arranged through physician e-referrals, the PHCC Nar'aakom app or online service channels. Women can also contact the screening hotlines directly to book an appointment.
Source: QNA
