The Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute (NKBCI) at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) proudly marked World Cancer Day 2025 with a series of impactful activities and initiatives, reinforcing its commitment to cancer prevention, early detection, and patient support. This year's event was led by the Cancer Prevention and Control Program (CPCP) at NKBCI, focusing on raising awareness, promoting screening programs, and encouraging healthy lifestyle choices to reduce cancer risk.
Under the global theme “United by Unique: Cancer Flips Our World Upside Down, Let Us Flip Cancer Vice Versa," the event brought together more than 150 healthcare professionals, patients, survivors, and community members to highlight the uniqueness of each patient experience and the importance of being united in a coalition to support and improve access to care and patient outcome.
The event included interventions from Dr. Fadlo Khuri, AUB president, who noted that “we all pledge to raise the quality of cancer care, prevention, screening, and science." Dr. Raymond Sawaya, vice president for health affairs and dean of the Faculty of Medicine at AUB, explained about the 3Es health persective, reflecting on expertise, excellence, and enrichment and noted, “A doctor can be an expert; however, excellence comes with compassion and humanity." Dr. Arafat Tfayli, head of the Division of Hematology-Oncology, shared that “the health system is always in review and continuous work is being made to improve access to care. However, it is crucial to empahsize the importance of screening and prevention as the tool of choice for a better patient outcome." Dr. Tfayli also shared a review of the NKBCI mission which is “committed to reduce the burden of cancer in Lebanon and the region," and he reaffirmed on behalf of Dr. Ali Taher, associate vice president for academic centers, development, and external affairs and director of the NKBCI, reaffirmed the institute's commitment to its mission. Ms. Hala El Dahdah Abou Jaber, president and founder of the Cancer Support Fund, compassionately thanked each and every donor for contributing to health financing that is essential in the fight against this disease. “This is why every act of generosity, every moment of solidarity translates into something real—medication, treatment, survival, hope," she added. Dr. Hiba Moukadem, director of the Cancer Prevention and Control Program at NKBCI, highlighted the importance of the awareness activities in sharing prevention means to reduce the cancer incidence and flip cancer vice versa.
The event included a gymnastic performance organized by the Lebanese Oncology Interest Group, testimonials from NKBCI patients, a debate led by Ms. Rabia AL Zayyat, followed by a laughter yoga session led by Mr. Wissam Sabbagh.
The event was concluded by a visit to the exihibit area that had community engagement booths, informational booths which showcased the latest updates in cancer prevention, nutritional guidance, and support services for patients and caregivers, as well as a meet and greet reception.
As a leading institution in cancer care and research, the Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute is dedicated to fostering awareness and promoting proactive measures against cancer and remains at the forefront of the fight against cancer, continuously working towards innovative research, patient-centered care, and community outreach programs.
