Amman: HRH Princess Ghida Talal, Chairperson of the King Hussein Cancer Foundation and Center, presided over the launch ceremony of the Lancet Oncology Middle East Series and the "Arab Cancer Control Initiative," highlighting a regional push to enhance cancer care and research.
According to Jordan News Agency, Princess Ghida emphasized the significance of the Lancet Oncology Middle East Series as a testament to the scientific capabilities of the region and as an opportunity to unveil the Arab Cancer Control Initiative. This initiative reflects a new vision for unified efforts in advancing cancer care excellence in the Arab world. Abdullah Owaidi Al-Abbadi, a senior hematologist and oncologist at the University of Jordan, noted that the initiative establishes a foundation for a regional scientific alliance to improve healthcare and long-term cancer treatment outcomes.
The initiative includes a series of scientific papers authored in the Arab region and published in The Lancet Oncology. These papers highlight collective efforts, challenges, and future opportunities in cancer control in the Middle East. The collaboration involved the King Hussein Cancer Center, the University of Jordan, the Global Health Catalyst program, and The Lancet Oncology.
The published series outlines a decade-long roadmap for cancer control, calling for unified cancer registries, shared treatment protocols, and cross-border research and clinical trials. It also emphasizes the importance of investing in prevention and early detection, especially given rising risk factors such as smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity.
The launch event also included a panel discussion titled "Enhancing Health System and Resilience," moderated by David Collingridge, Editor-in-Chief of The Lancet Oncology. Academic presentations were led by Yaser Rayyan, Dean of the School of Medicine at the University of Jordan. The event was attended by University of Jordan President Nathir Obeidat and oncology and medical education experts from Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and Iraq.