Technological Innovation for Cancer Risk Reduction and Detection - Agenda

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Program Agenda

TimeAgenda ItemLearning Objectives
08:00– 09:00
Registration and Networking
09:00– 09:05
Opening Remarks by UDST
09:05– 09:10
Welcome Remarks by QCS
09:10– 09:40Advancing Cancer Prevention Through Evidence, Policy, and Innovation: Perspectives from the IARC Dr. Beatrice Lauby-Secretan
Head, IARC Handbooks of Cancer Prevention Programme and Deputy Head of the Evidence Synthesis and Classification Branch at International Agency for Research on Cancer, WHO.
  1. Describe the role of the IARC Handbooks in evaluating evidence-based strategies for cancer prevention.
  2. Explain how the IARC Handbooks systematically assess lifestyle, behavioral, and environmental factors that influence cancer risk.
  3. Identify key evidence-based recommendations from recent IARC Handbook volumes and their relevance to national cancer prevention programs.
  4. Discuss how global evidence from the IARC Handbooks can inform policy development and public health decision-making.
09:40– 09:50Question & Answer
09:50– 10:05Leveraging Technology to Advance Cancer Control: Insights from Qatar Cancer Plan 2023–2026.Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani
Director of the Department of Non-Communicable Diseases Prevention Programs, MOPH
  1. Gain insight into the cancer burden and key trends in Qatar.
  2. Understand how technology supports Qatar Cancer Plan 2023–2026.
  3. Outline the five key technological enablers across the cancer continuum.
  4. Recognize how digital tools improve prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and research.
  5. Highlight the role of governance and partnerships in sustaining digital transformation.
10:05– 10:10Question & Answer
10:10– 10:20
Appreciation
10:20– 10:30
Break
10:30– 11:00WHO strategies for cancer prevention & controlDr. Lamia Mahmoud
Regional Advisor, Noncommunicable Diseases Prevention (NCP) UHC/Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental health Department (UHC.NMH), WHO, Eastern Mediterranean Region.
  1. Describe the role of the World Health Organization (WHO) in global cancer prevention, early detection, and control efforts.
  2. Explain the global and regional cancer burden, including key trends, challenges, and priority populations.
  3. Summarize WHO guidance and major global initiatives on cancer, including strategies that support countries in strengthening cancer control programs.
  4. Analyze the rationale for prioritizing women’s cancers, with emphasis on burden, preventability, and health system impact.
  5. Discuss regional actions and emerging perspectives that inform future directions for cancer prevention and control within the Eastern Mediterranean Region.
1100– 11:10Question & Answer
11:10– 11:25Empowering Dental Hygienists in Qatar’s Fight Against Oral Cavity Cancer: AI-Driven Pathways for Early Detection and Risk ReductionDr. Shahrokh Esfandiari
Dean CHS, UDST
  1. Recognize the epidemiological trends and key risk factors associated with oral cavity cancer in Qatar and the wider GCC region.
  2. Understand the expanding role of dental hygienists in early detection, risk assessment, and patient education for oral cancer prevention.
  3. Explore how artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, such as predictive modeling, image analysis, and clinical decision support systems can enhance oral screening and diagnostic accuracy.
  4. Evaluate practical strategies for integrating AI-assisted screening tools into dental hygiene practice, education, and community outreach programs.
  5. Contribute to Qatar’s national cancer prevention and health-promotion strategies by aligning dental hygiene practices with innovative, evidence-based, and technology-driven care models.
11:25– 11:30Question & Answer
11:30– 12:30
Lunch/Prayer/ Poster Exhibit & Networking
12:30– 13:10
Student Innovators for Cancer Risk Prevention and Early Detection
13:10– 13:25Role of AI in Early Cancer Detection Focusing on Breast Cancer ScreeningDr. Mohsin Mismar
Head Screening Programs (Monitoring & Evaluation), PHCC
  1. Overview of cancer's worldwide impact highlighting the need for effective detection and treatment strategies.
  2. Exploring how artificial intelligence enhances medical diagnosis, treatment, and patient care.
  3. Application of AI in breast cancer screening to improve early detection and accuracy.
  4. Insights into the national screening program and PHCC’s experience with AI integration.
13:25– 13:30Question & Answer
13:30– 13:45Decoding Risk: How Genetics Shapes Cancer Prevention and Early DetectionDr. Reem Al-Sulaiman
Chairperson of the Medical Genetics Dept., HMC
  1. Define hereditary cancer.
  2. Describe the prevalence of hereditary cancer.
  3. Explain the importance of detecting hereditary cancer syndromes for early diagnosis, targeted prevention, and improved clinical outcomes.
  4. Analyze case studies to identify patterns of hereditary cancer, assess risk, and apply evidence-informed decision-making for screening and prevention.
13:45– 13:50Question & Answer
13:50– 14:05Dynamic Biomarkers for Prediction of Immunotherapy Response in Cancer PatientsDr. Said Dermine
Senior Scientist and Director of the Translational Cancer Research Facility, NCCCR
  1. Understand immune evasion mechanisms particularly the PD-1/PD-L1 axis
  2. Recognize the immunobiology of Cancer-Testis Antigens (CTAs) such as NY-ESO-1
  3. Explore immunotherapeutic targeting strategies including anti-PD-1/PD-L1 blockade and NY-ESO-1–directed therapies
  4. Interpret immune monitoring and biomarker dynamics (humoral and cellular immune responses)
  5. Assess translational and clinical implications: case-based evidence on head and neck and gastric cancers.
  6. Identify novel directions in precision immuno-oncology: role of soluble immune mediators and HLA-restricted peptide mapping in advancing precision immunooncology.
14:05– 14:10Question & Answer
14:10– 14:25Innovations & Technologies to Minimize the Risk of Nasopharyngeal Cancer of Formaldehydethe in Healthcare Dr. Jafar Momani
Assistant Professor, CHS, UDST
  1. Describe the health risks and carcinogenic properties of formaldehyde as identified in current scientific literature.
  2. Identify historical and current practices in healthcare settings related to the use and handling of formaldehyde.
  3. Recognize the categories of healthcare personnel and environments most at risk of formaldehyde exposure.
  4. Explain the regulatory standards and occupational exposure limits governing formaldehyde use in healthcare.
  5. Discuss recent innovations and technologies aimed at minimizing cancer risk associated with formaldehyde use.
  6. Evaluate and apply practical control measures to reduce formaldehyde exposure in healthcare settings.
14:25– 14:30Question & Answer
14:30– 14:50
Coffee Break
14:50– 15:35

Panel Discussion with QCS

Moderator: Dr. Hadi Abu Rasheed, Scientific Advisor – Qatar Cancer Society

  • Ms. Heba Nassar, Head of Community Awareness Department – Qatar Cancer Society
  • Ms. Dana Mansour, Head of Psychosocial Support Department – Qatar Cancer Society
  • Mr. Tahir Abulubbad, IT Team Lead – Qatar Cancer Society
 
15:35– 15:40Question & Answer
15:40– 15:55Finding new paradigms for improving outcomes in childhood cancer– Updates on Genetics & Personalized TreatmentsDr. Ata Ur Maaz
Consultant Pediatric Neuro-Oncologist and Clinical Lead for Neuro-Oncology, Sidra Medicine
  1. Review our current understanding of cancers, (treatment and outcomes)
  2. A brief overview of cancer genomics especially in relation to pediatric tumors
  3. Discuss the updates on recent changes in the diagnostic nomenclature based on genetic information
  4. Discuss some of the rapidly developing personalized treatment options
15:55– 16:00Question & Answer
16:00– 16:15Technological Innovations and AI Integration in Nursing Practice: The Advanced Nurse Role in Cancer Prevention and Cardiotoxicity ManagementMs. Asma Al Bulushi
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) at the National Center for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR)
  1. Understand and explain the impact of digital technologies, AI, robotics, and virtual care on nursing practice, cancer care delivery, and patient outcomes
  2. Analyze and evaluate the ethical, practical, and organizational considerations in adopting AI and technology innovations in nursing practice
  3. Apply and demonstrate nursing leadership and professional competencies to integrate AI-driven tools and technology innovations into nursing education.
16:15– 16:20Question & Answer
16:20– 16:35Building Trustworthy AI in Healthcare: Lessons from Model Development, Deployment, and MonitoringDr. Ahmad Abdel-Hafez
Assistant Professor, CCIT, UDST
  1. Describe key standards and best practices for model implementation, validation, and reporting in applied AI systems.
  2. Explain the principles of Responsible AI and evaluate how ethical, legal, and societal considerations guide AI development and deployment.
  3. Apply concepts of model monitoring and MLOps to ensure continuous performance, reliability, and governance of AI models in real-world environments.
16:35– 16:40Question & Answer
16:40– 16:50
Announcement of Award for Best Posters 

Activity Code:  API-01-P218

Target Audience: Physicians, Dentist, Pharmacist, Allied Health Practitioner, Nurse, Midwives, Professionals and Researchers interested in Cancer Care.

This activity is an Accredited Group Learning Activity (Category 1) as defined by the Ministry of Public Health – Department of HealthCare Professions – Accreditation Section and is approved for a maximum of ­­­6 hours.

The Scientific Planning Committee (SPC) has reviewed all disclosed financial relationships of speakers, moderators, facilitators and/or authors in advance of this CPD activity and has implemented procedures to manage any potential or real conflicts of interest.

The Scientific Planning Committee members have no conflict of interest to declare