QBRI Promotes Breast Cancer and Diabetes Awareness Through Successive Campaigns

Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI) collaborated with Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) and Qatar Diabetes Association (QDA) to run breast cancer and diabetes awareness campaigns throughout 2024 among the local community.

Last October, QBRI researchers participated in Breast Cancer Awareness Month, conducting educational sessions at various organizations across the country, including Qatar Foundation (QF), Qatar Insurance Company (QIC), and Siemens. QCS provided support for these sessions, which focused on the science behind breast cancer, the latest research findings from the field, and the importance of regular breast cancer screening for early detection and prevention to attendees.

QBRI highlighted its commitment to advancing breast cancer research in engagements with local institutions, including a booth and workshop at Qatar University and a seminar with an expert from Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC). The Institute also emphasized its efforts to develop innovative solutions for breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in media appearances and articles. In an interview with Al Arab, QBRI showcased its collaborative research efforts with Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI), Qatar Precision Health Institute (QPHI), and King Hussein Cancer Center. On its social media channels, the Institute hosted a breast cancer survivor for a special visit to its laboratories, sharing a story of hope and inspiration for breast cancer patients while also underlining the Translational Oncology Center’s research.

The Institute marked Diabetes Awareness Month with several outreach engagements, including its support of QDA at its 18th Annual Awareness Walkathon, where scientists from the Diabetes Research Center raised awareness alongside 10,000 participants. They also engaged with students at QF’s Academic Bridge Program, Swiss International School, and The Cage Sport in informative sessions, underscoring the importance of diabetes prevention through healthy nutrition and exercise. 

Closer to home, the Institute conducted a screening campaign at HBKU’s Researchery in cooperation with QDA, assessing employees’ risk factors for type 2 diabetes. A written piece also supported the campaign. This also included a commentary from a QBRI researcher in the Diabetes Center on how dietary interventions are crucial for managing and inducing remission for type 2 diabetes. The QBRI researcher also considered how healthcare providers and researchers can better support patients during their recovery.

The success of the two nationwide awareness campaigns exemplified the importance of educational outreach among the community, especially when conducted by biomedical researchers and medical professionals. It demonstrated how QBRI closely works with local organizations, including QCS and QDA, to promote prevention and early detection of both breast cancer and diabetes. These initiatives are borne out of QBRI’s institutional commitment to support quality of life in Qatar and the wider region through research or dedicated engagement with the community.