A colorectal cancer awareness camp in Al Thager Hospital, here recently under the aegis of Dean Dr. Rashad Hassan Habibulla Alkashgari of Ibn Sina National College for Medical Studies (ISNC), Jeddah, who consistently motivates students and faculties to actively engage in community-based health education activities in order to enhance Saudi health care, especially in the areas of prevention and early diagnosis of diseases. Community service is an important goal and incorporated in the mission of ISNC, said Dr. Alkashgari, who also motivated the faculties and students to use social media tools and other means of awareness to reach the community. The dean's vision of colorectal cancer awareness was carried out by Dr. Suban Mohammed Gouse, head — histopathology division, and his team of faculties and students. Dr. Suban wanted to ensure all to learn the importance of early screening for colorectal cancer to minimize the chances of getting this disease and increase the likelihood of survival. The team took the initiative #StartsFromUs with a concept to attain success in creating awareness. He encouraged awareness to start from home and then reach the community. "If all the students start from their families, then we can reach easily the larger community in a short time," he said. Dr. Suban with the support of Dr. Helen Gouse, Dr. Zaheda Nikhat and student organizers joined in the signature campaign during March, 2017, which is the colorectal cancer awareness month, within the campus. The fourth-year medical students Maan Althobaiti and Abdulrahman Alradadi extensively worked hard and took the campaign to a different dimension of using the social media and presented the various modalities of screening according to Colorectal Cancer – National Screening Guidelines on Feb. 26. During the event, Dr. Rashad inaugurated the Twitter account @CRCBeAware and motivated the students to learn about the importance of community service at an early stage of medical education. Guest of Honors Vice Deans Dr. Abdulaziz Al Yahya, Dr. Talal Al Khatib, Dr. Othman Wali, Dr. Huda Othman, Clinical Supervisor Dr. Ahmed AlHarbi and Director of Ibn Sina Hospital Dr. Huda Al Jeedani all attended. A total of 450 attendees, including staff and students, joined hands to set an example for fighting colorectal cancer and took a pledge by signing the signature campaign that they all would promote awareness on colorectal cancer screening #StartsFromUs.
