Cancer rates among younger residents in the UAE are on the rise, according to doctors. Prof. Humaid Al Shamsi, president of the Emirates Oncology Society, noted an increase in cancer cases in both Gen X and millennials. Recent research by Lancet Public Health supports these findings, showing that younger generations are more likely to be diagnosed with 17 types of cancers compared to older generations due to factors such as obesity and physical inactivity. The study reveals that 25.4 percent of all cancer cases in the UAE are diagnosed in patients younger than 40, regardless of gender or nationality.
Colorectal cancer is highlighted as the second most common cancer among both genders in the UAE, with increasing diagnoses in patients under 40. Similarly, breast cancer is showing a higher incidence in younger women. Lifestyle factors and the relatively young population in the UAE are considered contributing factors to these trends. While cancer rates among younger generations worldwide are on the rise, mortality rates for most cancers have stabilized or declined in this age group.
Doctors attribute the increase in cancer rates among younger individuals to changes in diet, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Obesity and physical inactivity are strongly linked to a higher risk of several types of cancer, such as colon, kidney, and liver cancers. Lifestyle changes, including more sedentary behaviors and increased screen time, have contributed to the rise in obesity, particularly affecting younger generations. Recommendations to combat these trends include promoting healthy eating habits, increasing physical activity, and educating the public about the risks of obesity.
Preventive measures are essential to combat the rising cancer rates among Gen X and millennials. Healthy eating habits, regular physical activity, and access to early screenings and preventive healthcare services are emphasized by doctors as crucial steps in reducing cancer risk. Education about the importance of maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle changes is crucial in mitigating cancer susceptibility in newer generations. A proactive approach to lifestyle changes is necessary to safeguard health and reduce cancer risks in the future.
