(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Muscat- A group of 20 from Oman with a thirst for adventure recently engaged in an expedition to Mt Kilimanjaro to raise funds for cancer awareness
The group, who had joined an Oman Cancer Association (OCA) programme, aimed to create awareness, encourage people to lead a healthy lifestyle and engage in physical activity.
While anyone was welcome to register for the expedition, only those who were deemed capable of scaling mountains, got selected. The registrants had to undertake a series of challenging and gruelling exercises in Oman for six months. The team also included a cancer survivor. The mission of the expedition was to raise funds for those battling cancer.
Welcoming the group on Sunday, Dr Wahid al Kharusi, president, OCA, said, 'It is so important that we reduce cancer cases in Oman so that we can improve our Gross Domestic Product.
'The cost of treatment for the first stage of breast cancer which is quite common today, is around RO4,000 to RO5,000. After stage one, the cost can go up from RO120,000 to RO150,000. This affects the economy of the country, the patient and family's finances. For these reasons, we have to fight cancer and control it. Awareness is the key, so that people can diagnose early. We can also control through prevention,' said Dr Kharusi.
'The expedition to Mt Kilimanjaro is not going to help prevent or control the spread of cancer but it will help raise awareness on cancer and advise people on the importance of physical activity. Physical activities can not just regulate diabetes but cancer, and respiratory diseases too,' Dr Kharusi said.
Naser al Azri, group leader, said, 'We needed three days a week for six months to prepare and all went so well. Our aim was to raise awareness on healthy lifestyle. Before we left, many of us were not fit but eventually we became ready.'
Azri said it took them seven days to complete the expedition.
'We have achieved more than our goals. We had one cancer survivor.
'Nineteen managed to get to the top except for him as he was struggling for breath. We managed to raise more than RO30,000. This money will be donated to the mammography unit,' he added.
Juzer Nawab, cancer survivor, who took part in the expedition, said, 'I was honoured to be a part of this expedition. Whatever little I have achieved, I hope it will inspire more people. I am trying to spread the message of hope.'
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