Every year on February 4th, World Cancer Day is celebrated to raise awareness of the disease, enhance education, and spur individual, group, and governmental action. This year, Gulf Medical University’s College of Medicine held its anniversary health awareness event on February 16th, 2026.
“Understanding Cancer Hallmarks” was the topic of this year’s event, which was organized by MD students. Several GMU professors attended the event alongside students from various programs. The primary purpose of this event was to increase public knowledge of major cancer hallmarks, including their fundamental causes, risk factors, and the different methods used to target them. The GMU main foyer served as the venue for the event.
Event Objectives
- To increase awareness of cancer, its detection and treatment through informative posters and educational games.
- To educate the GMU community about the major cancer hallmarks and their risks.
- To highlight the importance of early detection through screenings.
To promote lifestyle modifications, increased physical activity, stress management, and intake of a well-balanced diet.
Cancer Hallmark Stations
- Recorded interview with Dr Tarek Alkhouri (Oncologist at TUH)
- Introduction to cancer hallmarks poster
- Evading growth suppressors poster with ONCO OBLITERATION – Dart game
- Sustaining proliferation signaling poster with Memory – Flash cards game
- Evading immune destruction poster
- Resisting cell death poster with MCQ online game
- Genomic instability and mutations PowerPoint with MCQ online game
- Microscope station showing cancer cells
Faculty Organization
- Raefa Abou Khouzam – Assistant Professor of Genetics, Molecular & Cellular Biology
- Rania Faouzi Zaarour – Associate Professor of Cell Biology
- Raheleh Masoudi – Associate Professor of Genetics
- Safaa Mahmoud Mohamed Abdelkhalek – Associate Professor of Pathology
Conclusion:
The World Cancer Day event successfully raised awareness of the global cancer burden and the critical importance of early intervention. By highlighting the latest in screening protocols, lifestyle-based prevention, and the significance of early diagnosis, the event empowered participants with the knowledge to reduce their risks and seek timely medical advice.
The College of Medicine at Gulf Medical University remains committed to organizing such community-centered initiatives. By bridging academic medical education with public health outreach, the College continues to play a vital role in the global fight against non-communicable diseases and the promotion of long-term community well-being.
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
SDG 3: Good Health & Well-Being, SDG 4: Quality Education
