Abu Dhabi's new colon cancer blood test aims to boost early detection rates

Move is part of pro-active screening strategy to increase survival rates for all forms of the disease

A test tube containing a blood sample. Abu Dhabi has introduced a liquid biopsy to encourage more patients to get checked for colon cancer. Photo: PA

Abu Dhabi health chiefs have hailed the introduction of a blood test for colon cancer as a "game-changer" in the emirate's quest to boost early detection rates for the disease and help save lives.

The non-invasive liquid biopsy aims to encourage more patients to come forward for check-ups for what is the third most common form of cancer in the capital, accounting for 8 per cent of cases, behind only thyroid cancer (10 per cent) and breast cancer (20 per cent).

Data from 2023 showed 67 per cent of new colon – or colorectal cancer cases – in Abu Dhabi were diagnosed at a late stage, hampering treatment options and lowering survival rates and highlighting the urgent need for early prevention.

Globally, colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. In 2020, more than 1.9 million new cases of colorectal cancer and more than 930 000 deaths due to colorectal cancer were estimated to have occurred, according to the World Health Organisation.

The simple blood test will seek to identify those requiring treatment at an early stage, while also providing a more comfortable screening procedure for those who test negative than the standard colonoscopy, with the hope of encouraging more people to get checked.

The initiative is being carried out by Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC), in partnership with Abu Dhabi health technology company, M42.

“This test is a game-changer for cancer prevention efforts in the UAE,” Ahmed Al Khazraji, acting director general of Abu Dhabi's Public Health Centre, told The National. “By offering a simple, non-invasive option, we’re addressing the barriers that prevent many people from undergoing routine cancer screenings. Early detection saves lives, and this is a major step towards that goal.”

How does the test work?

Once a patient is deemed eligible for the test, their doctor will recommend the blood screening, which involves a simple blood draw at the clinic.

Samples are currently processed in labs outside the UAE, resulting in a turnaround time of about five weeks. However, efforts are under way to bring this capability to local labs, which will significantly reduce waiting times.

Public health officials stressed that the blood test does not replace colonoscopies but serves as an alternative for those unwilling or unable to undergo one. Patients testing negative through the blood test will be recommended for a colonoscopy or FIT test after three years.

“This initiative aligns with Abu Dhabi’s vision for proactive healthcare,” Dr Al Khazraji said. “We’re not only focusing on early detection but also on prevention, ensuring that we offer the best possible outcomes for our residents.”

“It’s important to strike a balance, as we want the public to understand this is a supplementary tool—not a replacement for gold-standard testing,” he said.

Raising detection rates

Public health officials aim to reach 50 per cent early-stage detection of colon cancer within the next two years, up from the 33 per cent recorded last year.

“This is about saving lives,” said Dr Al Khazraji. “We know that early detection drastically improves survival rates, reduces mortality, and leads to better overall outcomes. We’re committed to making these advancements accessible to everyone.”

Albarah El Khani, senior vice president of operations at M42, said the new testing plan was critical to Abu Dhabi's broader health strategy.

“By implementing this type of blood test, we’re enabling early detection of colorectal cancer, allowing us to proactively manage potential disease progression,” said Mr El Khani.

“This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance personalised, preventive, and precision care delivery in Abu Dhabi. There is a dire need to detect these cancers much earlier."

Mr El Khani explained that while a colonoscopy remains essential for confirming diagnoses, the liquid biopsy is a complementary tool to support early detection.

“What we aim to do with this test is provide an easier way to identify cancer at an early stage, not to replace colonoscopy but to complement it,” he said. “If a liquid biopsy suggests the presence of cancer, confirmation through colonoscopy is still required.”

While the current focus is colorectal cancer, liquid biopsy technology is advancing for other cancers, such as prostate and pancreatic.

“We are fortunate to support Abu Dhabi’s strategy to bring this groundbreaking technology to the population here,” he said. “I believe we’ll see this technology applied to multiple cancers in the near future.”

Pinpointing those at risk

The programme targets individuals aged 50 and over without a family history of colorectal cancer and those aged 40-plus with a family history of the disease.

Currently, the majority of cases are identified after symptoms have developed, such as rectal bleeding or abdominal pain, which often indicates advanced disease.

Abu Dhabi's Department of Health recommends routine colorectal cancer screening for all men and women over the age of 40.

“Routine screening efforts are still not as widespread as desired, with only a small proportion of cases being detected through proactive measures such as colonoscopies,” said Prof Humaid Al Shamsi, chief executive of Burjeel Cancer Institute in Abu Dhabi.

The percentage of patients who undergo regular screenings, such as colonoscopies, remains below 20 per cent in the general population, he said.

“This is influenced by several factors, including a lack of awareness, fear of the procedure, and cultural stigmas associated with discussing or addressing gastrointestinal symptoms," Dr Al Shamsi added.

"Men, in particular, are less likely to participate in regular screenings due to traditional notions of masculinity, embarrassment, or the perception that they are not at risk. While these challenges are notable among Emiratis, they reflect a broader global trend of gender disparities in healthcare-seeking behaviours,” he said.

The blood test is available at select Ambulatory Health Services (AHS) clinics and Healthpoint Hospital, covering Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra.

It is targeted at individuals aged 50 and above who have not had a colonoscopy in the past 10 years or a FIT (fecal immunochemical test) in the last year. People with a family history of colorectal cancer or specific lifestyle risk factors are also eligible.