RIYADH: The Oncology Interest Group at Alfaisal University in Riyadh organized an event last week to raise cancer awareness, aiming to engage the public, educate them, and encourage participation in discussions on cancer awareness, prevention, and early detection.
Inaam Haque, a medical student and one of the organizers, said: “Through this group, we want to bridge the gap between knowledge and the community … help the public understand what these cancers are and what affects people on a daily basis. Although cancer is not that out to see, but it can happen to anyone.”
Malek Handoumeh, director of the Oncology Interest Group, said: “Our goal is to raise awareness and help people understand how early detection can truly save lives. We believe empowering the public with knowledge is one of the most impactful ways to fight cancer.”
During the event, visitors engaged with interactive activities run by students, displaying information on common cancers affecting both men and women.
The activities also provided educational materials to guide participants on healthier lifestyles and timely screening.
In Saudi Arabia, different types of cancers affect men and women annually, Haque said. Breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers are more common in women, while men are mostly diagnosed with lung and colorectal cancers and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Therefore, he noted, it is essential for people to undergo screening and adopt preventive measures.
Although each cancer type has specific prevention strategies, maintaining a healthy lifestyle remains practical and crucial, he emphasized.
“First, we need to have a healthy lifestyle, with daily exercise, a healthy diet, and being active in life,” he said.
“Smoking is a very big risk factor — not only for lung cancer, but for several other cancers affected by smoking.”
This initiative reflects the ongoing efforts of medical students at Alfaisal University to share knowledge, promote community engagement, and enhance public health education in Riyadh through an accessible and enjoyable environment for all ages.
