A recent awareness programme entitled “Enhancing the Quality of Life for Patients with Head and Neck Cancer: A Multidisciplinary Approach” was organized by the Oncology and Lymphedema Physiotherapy Department at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) in Doha, Qatar. The programme aimed to educate patients, healthcare providers, and professionals about the different aspects of head and neck cancers, treatment options, side-effects management, functional impairment, nutrition, social and mental support, and recovery care planning.
The event, held for the first time at Bayt Al Dhiyafah at Hamad Bin Khalifa Medical City, was attended by more than 60 patients and head and neck cancer survivors along with their families. Various specialists from different departments including head and neck surgery, Radiation Oncology, speech therapy, physiotherapy, lymphedema, and nutrition delivered presentations. Patients also shared their treatment journeys and expressed their satisfaction with the care received at HMC and the positive impact on their lives. A panel discussion session was held to encourage sharing of experiences between participants.
Dr. Abdullah Al Ansari, Chief Medical Officer at HMC, highlighted the commitment of the Oncology and Lymphedema Physiotherapy Department to enhance quality of life for patients, stating that enhancing quality requires concerted efforts and dedication. Dr. Mohammad Shafi, Head of the department, emphasized the importance of sharing experiences and providing valuable information to patients, as well as the significance of post-surgery rehabilitation for head, neck, or jaw cancer recovery.
Dr. Mustafa Khalil, Senior Consultant and Chair of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, stressed the critical role of post-surgery rehabilitation in enhancing the quality of life for patients, including improving movement, pain management, and mental health to facilitate their return to normal and healthy living. Dr. Majid Al Abdullah, Consultant Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, spoke about the challenges of head and neck cancer treatment and recovery, but also the joy of seeing patients regain their normal lives after recovery.
The programme facilitated communication between patients, survivors, and medical teams, enabling them to share experiences and spread hope in overcoming the disease. Dr. Shafi highlighted the importance of the event in sharing the department’s wide experience and providing valuable information to patients. The discussions and presentations focused on various aspects of head and neck cancer treatment, aiming to improve the quality of life for patients through a multidisciplinary approach.
In conclusion, the awareness programme organized by the Oncology and Lymphedema Physiotherapy Department at HMC in Doha, Qatar, aimed to educate and raise awareness about head and neck cancer, treatment options, and post-surgery rehabilitation. The event brought together patients, survivors, and medical professionals to share experiences, provide valuable information, and enhance the quality of life for patients. The commitment of HMC towards continuous improvement and dedication to patient care was emphasized throughout the programme, emphasizing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in improving patients’ lives.
