Sheikh Nahyan opens 10th UAE Cancer Congress in Dubai

Dubai - The UAE Cancer Congress aims to promote the most recent advances in cancer research while also highlighting the various scientific developments in the field.

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the UAE Minister of Tolerance and president of the UAE Genetics Association, on Thursday inaugurated the 10th edition of the UAE Cancer Congress.

"UAE healthcare vision highlights the importance of information and appropriate initiatives to educate the public on prevention and lifestyle medicines. This congress is an important initiative to highlight the latest in cancer awareness, treatment, research and facilities available in our region," Sheikh Nahyan said during his keynote address.

"Today medical science is able to offer multiple options of cancer treatment and able to highlight the importance of prevention which brings hope to the patient community."

The three-day event running until October 13 is organized by INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions in partnership with UAE Genetics Association, under the theme 'Promoting Excellence in Oncology and Striking away Cancer'. The UAE Cancer Congress aims to promote the most recent advances in cancer research while also highlighting the various scientific developments in the field.

Following the opening ceremony, Sheikh Nahyan, accompanied by Humaid Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board and Director General of Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Dr. Maryam Matar, Founder and Chairperson of the UAE Genetic Disease Association; Dr. Shaheenah Dawood, UAE Cancer Congress President; Eng. Aiman Al Madani CEO - Finance and Administration - INDEX Holding, and a number of leaders and experts in the field of cancer research, from the UAE and abroad, toured the exhibition area, where they were briefed about the latest tools and breakthrough scientific technologies used to treat various types of cancer.

"The 10th edition of UAE Cancer Congress comes at a time when the year 2018 saw the Nobel Prize in Medicine awarded jointly to James P. Allison and Tasuko Honjo for their discovery of cancer therapy by inhibition of negative immune regulation. As the world is focusing on reducing the cases of cancer, the UAE Cancer Congress aims to encourage the oncology community to join hands in partnering, learning and building collaborations to allow for progress in research while also build initiatives that effectively combat this disease in our region," said Dr. Shaheenah Dawood.

This year, the UAE Cancer Congress is featuring the launch of the 1st Asia Pacific Middle East Biosimilar Summit, which is a dedicated gathering, focusing on the practical strategies and opportunities for biosimilar drugs, while also aiming to support the local and international Pharma and Biopharma companies who are seeking to lay out a viable roadmap in this highly competitive global biosimilar market.

UN estimates that the world is home to 7.6 billion people and none of them regardless of ethnicity, race or gender are immune to cancer. While various factors such as the advancements in treatment protocols and multiple educational programs are emphasizing the importance of cancer screenings, doctors suggest that avoiding unhealthy lifestyle choices can naturally reverse cancer death rates more efficiently.

• Dubai