Healthcare | Monday 1 August, 2016 12:54 pm |

Greater investment is required in medical research for cancer and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) to enable the global community to enter a new era in NCD control, says Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah.

 

Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi, Founder and Royal Patron of Friends of Cancer Patients, (FoCP), International Ambassador of the World Cancer Declaration for the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), International Ambassador for Childhood Cancer for UICC and Patron of the Global Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance (NCDA) Forum, made the call during a visit to The Royal Marsden and Cancer Research UK, where Her Highness was introduced to some of the latest initiatives in the fight against carcinoma.

 

“Non-communicable diseases, in particular cancer, represent a major challenge to governments and communities across the world. Research into these diseases requires additional funding if we are to enter a new era in NCD control, with greater investment required for scientific institutions and studies to prevent these diseases. The reduction in the incidence of NCDs will not only improve the lives of millions around the world, it will yield a significant economic benefit, as the savings made from treating them will far outweigh the financial outlay incurred for research into preventing them,” said Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher.

 

Her Highness praised all scientists, doctors and researchers who strive to serve humanity through their contribution to alleviating the burden of cancer and other NCDs, describing them as ‘Knights of Humanity.’ Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi reiterated that it was imperative that all decision-makers, corporate bodies and members of the community support these essential medical professionals in order to fully realise their potential to protect our present and future health.

 

During Her Highness’ tour at The Royal Marsden, in London (The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust), which was founded by Dr William Marsden in 1851, the largest specialist cancer treatment centre in the Europe and the oldest and one of the most renowned cancer centres in the world, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi visited its various departments and units, and was introduced to state-of-the-art techniques used in the treatment of cancer. Among these was ‘CyberKnife,’ a technology involving radiation therapy and a treatment provided for that is being provided through by donations through to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. Her Highness was also introduced to the hospital’s Ralph Lauren Centre for Breast Cancer Research and its Breast Cancer Tissue Bank, where Her Highness received updates on the latest medical research initiatives which contribute to the early detection of cancer.

 

On the side-lines of Her Highness’ visit, a meeting was held to discuss ways of strengthening joint cooperation between the Royal Marsden and the Sharjah-based FoCP, with a focus on training and treatment. At the end of the meeting, Her Highness presented two Honour Shields to the administration staff of The Royal Marsden and the Ralph Lauren Centre for Breast Cancer Research.

 

“We were delighted to welcome Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi to The Royal Marsden in London and show her the wonderful new facilities we have for research into breast cancer in the Ralph Lauren Centre for Breast Cancer Research, and for the latest radiotherapy treatment using the CyberKnife machine. We look forward to working closely with Her Highness and the Friends of Cancer Patients over the coming months and years for the benefit of cancer patients in both our countries, and around the rest of the world,” said Mr Shams Maladwala, Managing Director, The Royal Marsden Private Care.

During Her Highness’ visit to Cancer Research UK, the world’s leading charity dedicated to beating cancer through research, Sheikha Jawaher met with its staff who provided Her Highness with detailed information about the Francis Crick Institute. Currently under construction and expected to be inaugurated at the end of this year, the Crick is a pioneering medical research facility in the heart of London, that will see more than 1,200 scientists coming together under one roof to tackle the major diseases, such as cancer, that pose the greatest threat to humanity.

 

“We are delighted to welcome Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi to our head office and for the opportunity to thank her in person for her tireless efforts in fighting cancer in the UAE and around the world. Cancer Research UK is the world’s leading charity dedicated to cancer research, investing $500 million in the 2015/16 financial year to prevent, control and cure some 200 types of the disease. Cancer is a global problem that needs a global solution and we are committed to working with partners worldwide to beat this disease,” said Nick Grant, Executive Director of International Partnerships at Cancer Research UK.

 

Cancer Research UK’s management praised the outstanding efforts of the emirate of Sharjah and the UAE in spreading awareness about cancer and providing free detection tests and screenings to its citizens. They also commended Sharjah’s recently acquired status as the region’s first Healthy City. 

 

Receiving Her Highness at The Royal Marsden were Dr. Nicholas van As, Medical Director and Consultant Clinical Oncologist; Dr. James Larkin, Consultant Medical Oncologist; Professor Mitch Dowsett, Head of The Ralph Lauren Centre for Breast Cancer Research; Dr. Nicholas Turner, Consultant Medical Oncologist; Professor Chris Nutting, Consultant Clinical Oncologist; Mrs. Antonia Newman, Head of Capital Appeals; Mr. Shams Maladwala, Managing Director of Private Care and Dr. Qussay Lateef, Head of International Services.

 

Present at the reception of Her Highness upon her arrival at Cancer Research UK were Nick Grant, Executive Director of International Partnerships; Frances Milner, Executive Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships at Cancer Research UK; David Evans, International Partnerships Senior Manager and Vivian Li, Group Leader at the Crick Institute.

 

Accompanying Her Highness during her visit to London were HE Ameera BinKaram, Founding Member and President of the Board of Trustees of FoCP; Sawsan Jafar, Founding Member and Board of Trustees Member of FoCP; Noura Al Noman, Director General of the Executive Office of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi; HE Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Director General of the General Women's Union; HE Reem Al Falasi, Secretary General of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood; Dr. Sawsan Al Madhi, Director General of FoCP; and HE Alia Abdullah Al Mazrouei, Board Member of the Abu Dhabi Business Women Council.