AR
UR
A team of 30 specialists have published a book with the aim of enhancing access to cancer data from the Arab world.
The specialists took about five years to complete the book titled 'Cancer In The Arab World' which includes a chapter dedicated to each of the 22 nations in the Arab World. Published by Springer, the book discussed the challenges faced by Arab nations in providing palliative care. Furthermore, the book has a chapter underlining the access to cancer treatment in conflict-hit regions.
The book was conceptualised by Dr Humaid Al Shamsi, director of oncology at Burjeel Medical City and president of the Emirates Oncology Society, following which he invited his colleagues and peers from across the Middle East to contribute.
'Cancer In The Arab World' is an open-source of information for policymakers, clinicians, patients and their families to address the shortcomings in cancer data and research specific to the Arab world.
Speaking in this regard, Dr Al Shamsi noted that the region is dealing with various types of cancer patient populations, including the age of onset, stage at presentation, awareness and acceptance of disease and treatment.
People are highly eager to seek cancer treatment abroad rather than from within their own country due to lack of resources and other factors.
“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," Dr Al Shamsi explained.
Even as progress has been made in researching genetic variations among the Arab populations in some cancers, there is a major gap in available data and information on epidemiology and clinical outcomes.
Cancer In The Arab World has become a groundbreaking and comprehensive book talking about cancer care in the Arab world. It is aimed at addressing shortfalls in cancer treatment in each country in the Arab world as well as highlighting the offering a road map to move forward.
According to the authors of the book, every chapter provides vital information on cancer statistics and risk factors along with data on the existing infrastructure and clinical care pathways.
Furthermore, the book highlights various programmes launched by each Arab nation in enhancing cancer prevention along with specific challenges and insights into how to achieve optimal care for the disease.
Faryal Iqbal, a research associate at Burjeel Medical City, underlined certain challenges faced by the team in initiating the work for the book, including political and conflict issues and limited access to cancer-related databases.
“Despite all the challenges, we managed to produce a very constructive initiative for the Arab region’s oncology healthcare system," he added.
The book also discussed other relevant topics related to the Arab World 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, is one of the contributors to the book. Discussing the book, she underlined the challenges faced by cancer patients in receiving required care during war. People are forced to travel across borders for their treatment, which poses several difficulties during the process
“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," Dr Mukherji added.
UAE cancer rates expected to double
The Middle East has one of the fastest-growing global rates of cancer. In the UAE, for instance, the incidence of cancer is expected to double in the next two decades, according to the Union for International Cancer Control.
The book project was launched in March 2017 and the authors published the finished work this month. It is easily available free online or for about $40 (Dh147) for a hard copy. Currently available in English, the contributors are working on an Arabic translation of the book.
Some of the noteworthy chapters of the book include cancer research in the Arab world, radiation therapy and paediatric oncology. The book highlights the potential of enhancing national screening programmes for cancer in Arab nations to help in early detection and better outcomes for the disease.
The book outlines major reasons for patients seeking medical help only during advanced stages. of the disease which increased the risk factor. Among the many reasons, lack of knowledge, embarrassment, misconceptions and cultural norms, top the list.
"Even in countries that have made significant progress in cancer care, there is a lack of palliative care," the book pointed out.
Dr Ibrahim Abu-Gheida, head of radiation oncology at Burjeel Medical City, explained the process of compiling the book which involved researching content, weekly meetings, brainstorming sessions and follow-up calls with authors over the course of 18 months.
“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," the authors noted.
SOURCE: The National News