Health authorities identify the most common types of cancer and ways to prevent them
In a move aimed at promoting health awareness and raising community awareness of preventative measures, the Ministry of Health revealed a list of the most common and widespread types of cancer globally, topped by breast, lung, colorectal, and prostate cancers. The Ministry emphasized that these four types account for the vast majority of internationally recorded cancer cases, making them the primary focus of early detection programs and modern treatment strategies.
The global burden and the importance of proactive action
This announcement comes at a time when the world is facing increasing health challenges related to non-communicable diseases, with cancer being one of the leading causes of death globally, claiming the lives of approximately 10 million people annually. International reports and the World Health Organization indicate that the economic and social burden of cancer necessitates a radical shift from delayed treatment to proactive prevention. In this context, the Ministry explained that nearly one-third of cancer deaths are linked to controllable and preventable behavioral and environmental factors, primarily smoking, obesity, and unhealthy dietary patterns, as well as air pollution and viral infections such as hepatitis and human papillomavirus (HPV).
Gulf Week: Unifying Regional Efforts
These statements coincided with the launch of the Gulf Cancer Awareness Week, an annual event organized by the Gulf Federation of Cancer Control Societies. This event reflects the deep cooperation among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in the health sector, aiming to unify awareness messages, correct common misconceptions about the disease, and promote a culture of regular screening. These campaigns are particularly important given the demographic shifts and changing lifestyles in the region, which necessitate intensified efforts to increase survival rates and reduce long-term health complications.
Early detection: the first line of defense
In a related context, oncology experts and specialists emphasized that early detection is no longer a luxury, but rather a fundamental pillar of the treatment system. Dr. Abrar Al-Junaid, a consultant in pediatric hematology and oncology, explained that detecting the disease in its early stages makes a significant difference in treatment outcomes, greatly increasing recovery rates and reducing the need for complex surgical or chemotherapy interventions, thus alleviating the psychological and physical burden on patients.
Al-Junaid added that prevention begins with adopting a healthy lifestyle, which includes immediately quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and following a balanced diet, noting that awareness campaigns play a pivotal role in breaking the psychological barrier of fear in society towards undergoing examinations.
A crucial turning point in the treatment journey
For his part, hematologist Dr. Hossam Qanash emphasized that early detection makes all the difference between a short and successful treatment journey and a prolonged struggle with advanced disease. He pointed out that early detection of tumors improves the patient's quality of life and reduces the burden on the healthcare system and the family. Dr. Qanash noted that health initiatives in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf countries have brought about a qualitative leap in early diagnosis rates, thanks to easy access to screening centers and the advancements in the technologies used.
The specialists concluded their remarks by emphasizing the importance of psychological and social support for patients, considering that a supportive and understanding environment is an integral part of the treatment plan, and that the most important message that should reach everyone is that cancer is a disease that can be lived with and cured at very high rates if it is discovered in a timely manner.
