KUWAIT: As part of its continued efforts to promote healthy lifestyles and raise awareness about cancer prevention, the National Cancer Awareness Campaign (CAN) has launched a new sporting event under the Colon Cancer Awareness Initiative. The initiative, launched in May under the slogan “Your Health is Your Decision,” highlights the importance of physical activity and nutrition in reducing cancer risks.
Dr Khalid Ahmed Al Saleh, Chairman of CAN’s Board of Directors, stated that the campaign is committed to diversifying its outreach activities to increase public awareness, particularly regarding the prevention of colon cancer. He stressed the campaign’s focus on encouraging healthy dietary habits and regular physical exercise as key preventive measures. As part of the initiative, a walking event was held at Capital Mall, where a designated booth served as the starting point for participants. The event featured three levels of participation: two rounds for beginners, five rounds for intermediate walkers, and ten rounds for advanced participants.
The event fostered an enthusiastic and interactive atmosphere, with giveaways distributed to attendees and informational brochures highlighting the benefits of walking in cancer prevention. The materials also offered guidance on recognizing early signs of colon cancer. In conjunction with the event, CAN hosted an educational lecture in collaboration with the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition. The session was held at the CAN headquarters at the Kuwait Society for Controlling Smoking and Cancer in Al-Qadisiyah and presented by Nawal Al-Jazzaf, head of the Preventive Nutrition Department at the Authority.
Titled “Nutrition and Colorectal Cancer,” the lecture covered a range of key topics, including the importance of a fiber-rich diet, reducing salt and sugar intake, and the significance of hydration. Al-Jazzaf recommended that daily sugar intake should not exceed 36 grams (9 teaspoons) for men and 24 grams (6 teaspoons) for women. She also advised consumers to carefully read food labels and incorporate 3 to 5 servings of vegetables and 2 to 4 servings of fruits daily to help boost immunity and reduce cancer risk. The event and lecture form part of CAN’s broader mission to educate the public and promote a proactive approach to cancer prevention through informed lifestyle choices.
