The critical challenges to improving cancer care and strategies to improve both early diagnosis and patient outcomes while also enhancing the standard of care across the continuum of cancer control in the Gulf Region will be in the spotlight at the 5th Combined Gulf Cancer Conference (CGCC) hosted by UAE-based nonprofit, Friends Of Cancer Patients (FOCP).

The three-day scientific conference, held from November 21 - 23 at Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre, Sharjah, will also address innovation and implementation gaps and analyse the current situation as it highlights best practices to move the needle on improving standards of care across the continuum of cancer control. 

The conference will bring together 50 speakers and more than 500 delegates from leading non-profit cancer organisations in the region to explore urgent priorities in terms of improved diagnosis, prevention and treatment under six vital tracks.

Held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, Founder and Royal Patron of Friends Of Cancer Patients (FOCP) and organised in partnership with the Gulf Federation for Cancer Control and Gulf Centre for Cancer Control & Prevention, the three-day conference will be held under the theme, ‘Continuum of Care in Cancer Control and Management’. 

On the opening day of the conference, under the overarching theme of ‘Barriers to Cancer Awareness & Prevention’, conference delegates will shed light on cultural and socio-economic barriers in seeking medical advice, participating in screening programmes and offer insights on barriers to cancer prevention efforts.

The quality and bias in media reporting, the effectiveness of mass media campaigns in bolstering awareness and delivering impactful messaging and the usage of social media and mobile health technology as tools for health promotion and behaviour change will be addressed in the second track, ‘Communication Driving Regional & Global Cancer Awareness & Prevention: The Influence of Media’.

‘Early Detection & Screening impact on Cancer Care Continuum & Control’ will delve into evidence from the region on the impact of early detection and screening in improving cancer outcomes, the economic returns on investment of this strategy and the impact of mobile clinics.

In ‘Social Acceptance to Early Detection & Cancer Screening: Barriers and Opportunities’, experts and specialists at the conference will analyse the stigma, barriers and behavioural aspects that are challenging awareness efforts in the GCC region.

‘Living with Cancer: Survivorship Challenges’ will explore the intersection of palliative care and survivorship and offer insights into the shared progress, challenges, and opportunities through the lens of the GCC society.

The final track at the conference will explore the impact of the cancer pathway and highlight lessons learnt during the Covid-19 pandemic. Through a presentation of case studies and several discussions under the track titled, ‘Continuum of Care in Cancer Today: 2023 and Beyond’ the conference will present ways to make positive changes and improve quality of care in the years ahead.

Scientists, researchers, and cancer prevention advocates at the 5th CGCC will develop strategic plans, support and collaborate through panel sessions and keynote speeches as they deliberate on building better.