Cancer Rises in Young UAE Residents

Cancer rates are rising among younger people in the UAE, according to local doctors.

Prof. Humaid Al Shamsi, the president of the Emirates Oncology Society, notes a growing number of cancer cases among Gen X and millennials.

His observations align with a Lancet Public Health study indicating that these age groups are at a higher risk of developing 17 different types of cancer compared to their predecessors.

The study associates these cancers with obesity and lack of physical activity.

“In the UAE, 25.4% of all cancer diagnoses occur in individuals under 40. This trend is consistent across both genders and affects both Emirati and non-Emirati populations,” said Prof. Al Shamsi, who is also the CEO of Burjeel Cancer Institute in Abu Dhabi.

Doctors highlighted that colorectal cancer is the second most prevalent cancer among both men and women in the UAE, being the most common in men and third most common in women.

“An increasing number of colorectal cancer cases are found in patients under 40, accounting for 15.4% of cases in this demographic.

Breast cancer also has a higher incidence in younger women, with 20.7% diagnosed before age 40.

These trends may be due to the UAE’s young population and lifestyle influences,” stated Dr. Tarek Al Khouri, an oncology specialist at Thumbay Advanced Cancer Centre.

The Lancet Public Health study reports rising cancer rates for 17 out of the 34 most common cancers among younger generations globally.

Kidney, pancreatic, and small intestine cancers are two to three times more common in millennials than in older generations.

Although cancer risk is rising, the mortality rates for most cancers have either plateaued or decreased among younger people.

Doctors attribute these trends to shifts in diet, lifestyle, and environmental conditions.

Dr. Al Khouri points out, “Many people today face higher obesity rates, which are associated with increased cancer risks, especially for colon, kidney, and liver cancers.

This obesity trend began in the late 1970s and has affected younger generations more significantly. Lifestyle changes also contribute.”

Obesity and physical inactivity significantly increase cancer risk. “Excess body fat can boost levels of certain hormones and factors that stimulate cancer growth, particularly in colon, kidney, and liver cancers. Meanwhile, lack of physical activity heightens cancer risk.

Regular physical activity helps manage body weight, regulate hormones, and reduce inflammation,” Dr. Al Khouri added.

Modern lifestyles, marked by sedentary habits and increased screen time, exacerbate obesity, a key risk factor for several cancers, said Prof. Al Shamsi.

Other contributing factors include high intake of processed foods, sugars, unhealthy fats, environmental toxins like pollution, and delayed medical diagnoses.

“Genetic and epigenetic elements might also influence cancer susceptibility in younger generations,” Prof. Al Shamsi mentioned.

To address the escalating cancer rates, doctors stress the importance of preventive measures.

They advocate for healthy diets rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to combat obesity and reduce cancer risk.

Dr. Al Khouri emphasized, “Increasing physical activity is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight.

Educating the public about obesity risks and ensuring access to regular screenings and preventive healthcare services can aid in early detection and prevention.”

The growing cancer prevalence among Gen X and millennials, linked to obesity and inactivity, is alarming and requires immediate focus. This study highlights the necessity for proactive lifestyle changes to protect health and reduce future cancer risks.

Source: khaleejtimes

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