‘Friends of Cancer Patients’ Concludes Participation in Regional Oncology Conference

Abu dhabi: The Regional Oncology Conference and the 13th Annual Conference of the Gulf Federation for Cancer Control recently concluded under the theme 'Cancer: Reality and Challenges'. The event brought together leading health officials, physicians, consultants, researchers, and representatives of Gulf cancer associations to discuss regional efforts to combat the disease.According to Emirates News Agency, a Friends of Cancer Patients (FoCP) delegation, including Sawsan Al Fahoum Jaafar, Chairperson of the association and President of the Gulf Federation for Cancer Control, and Aisha Al Mulla, Director of the association, participated in the event. In her opening speech, Jaafar emphasized that the conference was not only a scientific forum but also a platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange. She stressed that tackling cancer is a collective responsibility requiring strong partnerships, with a focus on prevention, early detection, and continuous care to improve quality of life.The conference saw the pa rticipation of twenty-seven Gulf associations and 225 participants in scientific sessions and workshops. These sessions covered the latest research, technologies, and best practices in diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and supportive care. The final recommendations from the conference called for a unified Gulf cancer control framework, risk-based early screening programs, the integration of artificial intelligence in care pathways, precision medicine, genetic counseling, a regional clinical research network, and stronger palliative and survivorship care, supported by governance and impact measurement.On the sidelines of the conference, the Gulf Federation for Cancer Control's board met to review progress. They discussed enhancing coordination among member associations, strengthening the Gulf Oncology Society's executive role, updating treatment guidelines, and supporting the sustainability of the Gulf Journal of Oncology, while expanding international scientific collaboration.