Dr Ihab Tewfik, Senior Lecturer in Global Nutrition and leader of the Community Health, Resilience and Wellbeing Research Group at Westminster, was recently awarded an Honorary Membership from the Georgian Society of Clinical Oncology (GSCO) at an annual conference on 1 December. This membership is the GSCO’s highest honour to distinguished individuals who have made impactful contributions to cancer research, management and leadership in the field.
The GSCO and Clinical Oncology Journal (COJ) invited Dr Ihab Tewfik to present a keynote speech titled Contemporary Nutrition in the Causation, Prevention and Management of Cancer, at the plenary session of the society’s seventh international conference. He highlighted nutritional factors that contribute to the total burden of cancer worldwide with a lens on the role of nitrite in colorectal cancer, foods containing mutagens that may cause nasopharyngeal cancer and foods contaminated with aflatoxin that causes liver cancer.
The GSCO’s Honorary membership recognises Dr Tewfik’s achievements and contributions to the field of clinical oncology that foster collaboration to advance cancer research. Dr Tewfik’s research portfolio has made substantial impacts in the field of nutritional support for patients living with cancer through the Tailored Functional Recipe (TFR) concept that he has developed. This sustainable TFR concept employs a simple and low-technology approach by blending locally accessible, affordable, staple and culturally acceptable food ingredients proportionately. It draws on the nutrient strengths of each ingredient to formulate the TFR recipe to boost the immune system and improve the nutritive value of the meal without the need for supplementation or fortification. The imparted knowledge of Dr Tewfik’s research resonates with the needs of patients living with cancer in Georgia and Eastern Europe.
With this Honorary membership, Dr Tewfik will receive additional privileges such as complimentary subscription to the COJ, recognition at the GSCO’s annual conferences and a lifelong membership in the GSCO society.
About this achievement, Dr Ihab Tewfik said: “I would like to begin by extending my ‘Big Thank You’ to all researchers and collaborators who have contributed significantly to our impactful and sustainable nutrition intervention in cancer research and palliative care. Without them, I would not have been able to achieve what I have been awarded for today.
“Receiving an Honorary Membership from the GSCO is a great accomplishment and a moment of pride, joy and gratitude. May I take this opportunity to express my deepest appreciation to the University of Westminster’s colleagues, students and technical team who have encouraged and supported me throughout my research journey in clinical public health nutrition.”
Dr Ihab Tewfik’s contributions towards the membership directly contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3: Good Health and Wellbeing, 4: Quality Education and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out more about Nutrition and Public Health courses at Westminster.
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