Cancer is one of the deadliest in the world, and anyone is vulnerable. According to the UAE ministry of health, cancer is the third leading cause of death claiming 500 lives on average per year in their UAE. Accidents being first and cardiovascular diseases being second.

Cancer identified as a group of more than 100 different diseases. This medical condition starts as cells will divide at an accelerated rate. It grows into a lump which is known as a tumor which can be non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant).

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The type of cancer or name often comes from the body part where cancer first develops. For example, if cancer cells are formed at the breast in its beginning stages, it will be recognized as breast cancer.

According to a 2011 report by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, the leading types of cancer for men and women are as follow:

Men:

  • Leukemia
  • Colorectal
  • Prostate
  • Non-Hodgkins
  • Brain cancer

Women:

  • Breast
  • Leukemia
  • Colorectal
  • Thyroid
  • Uterus

Cancer in The UAE

Cancer in The UAE

Cancer is a widespread disease in the UAE, so it’s important to be aware of its causes and how to prevent them. The Health Authority Abu Dhabi claims that tobacco accounts for 22% of global cancer deaths and 71% of global lung cancer deaths in Abu Dhabi.

This study indicates that lung cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer death in the UAE. It is commonly due to lifestyle and environmental factors. Lifestyle factors such as poor diet and exercise contribute to lung cancers and other types of cancer.

Environmental factors such as air quality, humidity and second-hand tobacco smoke all contribute to the compromisation of lung health and lead to cancer. Ovarian cancer, leukemia, and breast cancer are also leading types of UAE women.

These also go down to environmental and lifestyle factors. However, breast cancer and ovarian cancer can also depend on genetics.

Prevention is Key

Cancer in The UAE

Once a person is diagnosed with cancer, their main priority is to manage it so they can lead normal or close to normal lives. To avoid cancer and its symptoms altogether, you need to prevent it.

Having a healthy lifestyle with consistent medical check-ups and treatments for symptoms is the best way to prevent it. Just because you may feel healthy and don’t have any physical problems or deficiencies with your health, doesn’t mean you’re safe from cancer.

Here are some tips to improve your lifestyle and health that will minimize your risk of developing cancer:

1. Eat fresh

Try sticking with whole foods such as fruits and vegetables. The more organic, the better. Foods that are high in nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, iron, calcium, and antioxidants are essential for the healthy functioning of the brain and body. Fresh foods will help to boost your immune system and prevent you from contracting disease and illnesses.

2. Maintain a good weight

Gain or lose too much weight can lead to health complications. Weight gain can lead to obesity or more severe diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Having a low body weight can lead to dehydration and nutrient deficiencies.

Maintaining a proper weight through exercise and diet will help you maintain a robust immune system and prevent the body from contracting diseases and illnesses.

3. Protect your skin from the sun

In the UAE, sunburn is common as the city is sun-drenched every season of the year. Protecting yourself with sunscreen and layers of clothing will help prevent sun damage that can, in turn, result in skin cancer.

4. Cut down or stop smoking

Tobacco smoke is one of the leading causes of liver or lung cancer. Large amounts of studies have also found that second-hand smoke and chewing tobacco are also harmful to the pancreas and kidney and will lead to cancer.

To quit smoking, you can speak with a medical expert or seek a quit-smoking helpline.

Need To See A Doctor?

As cancer is one of the deadliest diseases, it’s crucial to seek medical advice as soon as you notice anything irregular in your health. Finding medical attention as early as possible is the only way cancer can be prevented as once it reaches its critical stages, your options of prolonged life become extremely limited.

Go to Okadoc.com or download our Mobile App and book an appointment with an Oncology doctor instantly.