The collection of better data would help scientists to understand the cancer threat to the Middle East. AFP
The collection of better data would help scientists to understand the cancer threat to the Middle East. AFP
The collection of better data would help scientists to understand the cancer threat to the Middle East. AFP
The collection of better data would help scientists to understand the cancer threat to the Middle East. AFP

New cancer book addresses shortfall on medical data in the Arab world


Nick Webster
  • English
  • Arabic

A project to improve access to cancer data from the Arab world has ended with the publication of what the authors say is the first book dedicated to the subject.

Cancer In The Arab World took a team of 30 specialists five years to complete and it includes a chapter dedicated to each of 22 Arab nations.

Published by Springer, it examines challenges to palliative care and has a chapter on how cancer treatment can be found in regions where there is conflict.

We are dealing with a considerably different cancer patient population in this region
Dr Humaid Al Shamsi,
Emirates Oncology Society

The book was the idea of Dr Humaid Al Shamsi, director of oncology at Burjeel Medical City and president of the Emirates Oncology Society, who invited colleagues and peers from across the Middle East to contribute.

The book is an open source of information for policymakers, clinicians, patients and their families to address the shortfall in data and research specific to the Arab world.

“We are dealing with a considerably different cancer patient population in this region,” Dr Al Shamsi said.

“This is in terms of age of onset, stage at presentation, awareness and acceptance of disease and treatment, and most importantly, eagerness to seek treatment abroad rather than from within the country.

“I have dedicated my clinical and academic careers to understanding the reasons behind such differences, especially those that are modifiable or targetable with medical and non-medical interventions.”

While progress has recently been made in exploring genetic variations in the Arab population in some cancers, a major gap remains in data on epidemiology and clinical outcomes.

Cancer In The Arab World is a groundbreaking and comprehensive book about cancer care in the Arab world and is aimed at addressing that shortfall in each country.

“It highlights the challenges we face, and offers a road map to move forward, so it will be of interest to regulators and all those involved in cancer care,” Dr Al Shamsi said.

Each chapter provides vital information on cancer statistics and risk factors, available clinical care pathways and infrastructure.

The book also highlights cancer prevention programmes in each country, as well as specific challenges and insights into how to achieve optimal care.

Putting it all together was no easy task.

Palliative care is an established practise in oncology worldwide, but in Arab counties more work is required
Dr Ibrahim Abu-Gheida,
Burjeel Medical City

“There were a few major challenges when we initiated this work, like there were multiple countries for which we had difficulty finding authors,” said Faryal Iqbal, a research associate at Burjeel Medical City.

“Some countries had political and conflict issues, and some had limited access to cancer-related databases in their countries.

“Despite all the challenges, we managed to produce a very constructive initiative for the Arab region’s oncology healthcare system.”

Topics relevant to the Arab world are also discussed, including medical tourism for cancer treatment and cancer care during war and conflict.

Dr Deborah Mukherji, consultant oncologist at the Clemenceau Medical Centre in Al Jadaff, who recently moved to Dubai from Beirut, contributed to the book.

“A lot of the work we have done in Beirut is now being referenced in other areas of the world where there is conflict,” she said.

“How cancer patients can receive their care during war is a challenging issue. Some people have to travel across borders for their care, and that is very difficult.

“It is not specific to the Middle East, and many people are paying for their own care as the facilities are not available at home.”

UAE cancer rates expected to double

Cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide, while the Middle East has one of the fastest-growing global rates of the disease.

The incidence of cancer in the UAE, for example, is expected to double in the next two decades, according to the Union for International Cancer Control.

The book project began in March 2017 and the finished work was published this month. It is available free online or for about $40 (Dh147) for a hard copy.

It is currently only in English, but contributors hope to have it translated into Arabic.

Other special chapters include cancer research in the Arab world, radiation therapy and paediatric oncology.

While incidence rates in most Arab countries is lower than the West, few in the region have national screening programmes that could help with early detection and better outcomes.

In many countries, patients are seeking medical help only during advanced stages. The book outlines many reasons for this, from lack of knowledge to embarrassment, misconceptions and cultural norms.

Even in countries that have made significant progress in cancer care, there is lack of palliative care, the book said, with an increased need a common highlight in many countries.

Dr Ibrahim Abu-Gheida, head of radiation oncology at Burjeel Medical City, said compiling the book involved weekly meetings to research content.

“We had brainstorming sessions and follow-up calls with the authors over the course of 18 months to decide on its content and how best to publish,” he said.

“Palliative care is an established practice in oncology worldwide, but in Arab counties more work is required so that it is integrated into the early stages of cancer diagnosis.

“Studies have shown if good palliative care is integrated into treatment early, particularly in stage four of lung cancer, there are better patient outcomes.”

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Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah 

Starring: Alaa Meqdad

Rating: 4/5

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Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
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  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
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Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea

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Gulf Men's League final

Dubai Hurricanes 24-12 Abu Dhabi Harlequins

Strait of Hormuz

Fujairah is a crucial hub for fuel storage and is just outside the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route linking Middle East oil producers to markets in Asia, Europe, North America and beyond.

The strait is 33 km wide at its narrowest point, but the shipping lane is just three km wide in either direction. Almost a fifth of oil consumed across the world passes through the strait.

Iran has repeatedly threatened to close the strait, a move that would risk inviting geopolitical and economic turmoil.

Last month, Iran issued a new warning that it would block the strait, if it was prevented from using the waterway following a US decision to end exemptions from sanctions for major Iranian oil importers.

The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
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  • Price: Not announced yet
Our legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants

While you're here
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CREW
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It has been claimed that the policies of the Ethiopian government, which took control after deposing Emperor Haile Selassie in a military-led revolution in 1974, contributed to the scale of the famine.
Dr Miriam Bradley, senior lecturer in humanitarian studies at the University of Manchester, has argued that, by the early 1980s, “several government policies combined to cause, rather than prevent, a famine which lasted from 1983 to 1985. Mengistu’s government imposed Stalinist-model agricultural policies involving forced collectivisation and villagisation [relocation of communities into planned villages].
The West became aware of the catastrophe through a series of BBC News reports by journalist Michael Buerk in October 1984 describing a “biblical famine” and containing graphic images of thousands of people, including children, facing starvation.

Band Aid

Bob Geldof, singer with the Irish rock group The Boomtown Rats, formed Band Aid in response to the horrific images shown in the news broadcasts.
With Midge Ure of the band Ultravox, he wrote the hit charity single Do They Know it’s Christmas in December 1984, featuring a string of high-profile musicians.
Following the single’s success, the idea to stage a rock concert evolved.
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Company profile

Company name: Nestrom

Started: 2017

Co-founders: Yousef Wadi, Kanaan Manasrah and Shadi Shalabi

Based: Jordan

Sector: Technology

Initial investment: Close to $100,000

Investors: Propeller, 500 Startups, Wamda Capital, Agrimatico, Techstars and some angel investors

What can victims do?

Always use only regulated platforms

Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion

Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)

Report to local authorities

Warn others to prevent further harm

Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence

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Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111

Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre

Emirates airline – 600555555

Etihad Airways – 600555666

Ambulance – 998

Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries

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Sand storm

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Engine: 3.0-litre 6-cyl turbo

Power: 374hp at 5,500-6,500rpm

Torque: 500Nm from 1,900-5,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 8.5L/100km

Price: from Dh285,000

On sale: from January 2022 

Tips to stay safe during hot weather
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
  • Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
  • Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
  • Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
  • Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
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Specs

Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
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Gothia Cup 2025

4,872 matches 

1,942 teams

116 pitches

76 nations

26 UAE teams

15 Lebanese teams

2 Kuwaiti teams

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Sukuk

An Islamic bond structured in a way to generate returns without violating Sharia strictures on prohibition of interest.

Tearful appearance

Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday. 

Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow. 

She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.

A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.

BlacKkKlansman

Director: Spike Lee

Starring: John David Washington; Adam Driver 

Five stars

Electric scooters: some rules to remember
  • Riders must be 14-years-old or over
  • Wear a protective helmet
  • Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
  • Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
  • Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
  • Do not drive outside designated lanes
The specs

Engine: 2-litre 4-cylinder and 3.6-litre 6-cylinder

Power: 220 and 280 horsepower

Torque: 350 and 360Nm

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Price: from Dh136,521 VAT and Dh166,464 VAT 

On sale: now

WOMAN AND CHILD

Director: Saeed Roustaee

Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi

Rating: 4/5

Updated: March 13, 2022, 10:52 AM`