A cancer survivor, Ms Yuthar Al-Rawahy, promised herself while she was under active treatment, that if she were to survive her 3rd cancer, she would dedicate the time to develop a patient advocacy group in Oman. The concept was to create awareness on cancer so as the people could accept cancer and work for its early intervention, and successful treatment, through self-examination and early diagnosis.

Upon her return to Oman in October 2002 she organized a very successful meeting and with two other survivors they talked to the public about their experiences and stressed on early diagnosis and successful management. This humble beginning was followed by enormous interest. A huge support from individuals and relatives of the cancer patients joined hands. A task force was formulated and in November 2002. The founders meeting was organized and a working committee was elected. The committee was mandated to register the group as an association according to the rules and regulations of the Ministry of Social Development.

In April 2004 the Oman National Association for Cancer Awareness was officially registered. This is the first patient advocacy group in Oman. 

The objectives are:

1. Create public awareness for all types of cancers
   • i. This is to be through community-based programs.
   • ii. The concept of self-examination and early presentation is the key to early diagnosis and proper, timely intervention.
   • iii. Educate the community on the early signs and symptoms of different cancers.
2. To work hand in hand with the health care providers in the field of cancer management as a patient support group
   • i. Helping patients get early appointments to appropriate doctors.
   • ii. Act as a support to the patients to help them understand their problem.
3. Working with decision makers to highlight the patient's perspective of cancer, its scourge and needed management.
4. To support continuous medical education and assist in research especially in the field of raising the much-needed funds.
5. To raise funds to support the association programs.
6. To work closely with other patient advocacy groups locally, regionally, and internationally.
7. To work closely with the government agencies
   • i. In maintaining a comprehensive cancer registry and data.
   • ii. To reach out to the people who are not in close proximity with tertiary medical facilities.

 What Has Been Achieved:

1. Awareness meeting conducted at numerous locations. A number of people benefited, once they were made aware of the disease and its presentation. This was evident after a number of patients who attended the awareness gatherings, knew the concept of self-examination and sought medical attention.
2. An office was opened with a toll-free facility for patients.
3. Getting early appointments for new patients.
4. Raising funds through donations.
5. Supporting research on cancer in the form of grants.
6. Celebrated the breast cancer month 2003.
7. Supported and sponsored a number of initiatives to bring about cancer awareness and funding.
8. Sponsored the launching of a book of poems "Within My Self", written by a young Omani lady whose father was a cancer patient.

Money raised will be spent on the following:

1. The National Association for cancer awareness strives to spread awareness and message of importance is of early detection, diagnosis and cure.
2. To achieve our objectives the association organizes:
   • Awareness raising campaign at Municipal level through community based programs
   • Distribution of free information and awareness materials Nationally.
   • Provision of a support and information center for patients and relatives.
   • Running a mobile one-stop women screening unit to reach out to the public in remote areas.
   • Coordinating volunteer service support group for patients and relatives.
   • Develop a comprehensive database on cancer in Oman.
   • Joint sponsorship of education and relevant scientific research in cancer nationally.

Conclusion

The association, in a short term, has achieved more than its expectations. Thanks to our government, the private sector, and some individuals' support. It is evident that the association's message is getting through by the number of patients who sought early intervention and achieved successful treatment.

This success could not be achieved if it were not for the wise leadership and guidance of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the Sultan of Oman, who has created and ideal social structure and stable environment in our country that is compatible with sustainable development.

We thank all who have contributed in anyway to support the Association