A recent study has established a connection between climate change and the increasing rates of cancer, particularly ovarian and breast cancers, among women in the Middle East. The rising temperatures in the region are giving rise to a silent health crisis, as reported in the journal Frontiers. Researchers from the American University in Cairo analyzed data from 17 Middle Eastern countries spanning from 1998 to 2019, revealing a troubling trend where higher temperatures correlate with a surge in cancer rates and fatalities. Lead author Dr. Wafa Abuelkheir Mataria highlighted the significant impact of rising temperatures on cancer mortality, emphasizing the escalating threat posed to women’s health. The study warns that although the year-on-year increase in cases may be slight, the long-term implications could pose a serious public health concern, especially for women in the region. The researchers emphasized that as temperatures continue to soar, the risks associated with cancer and other health issues are magnified, driven by factors such as extreme heat, poor air quality, water scarcity, and food insecurity exacerbated by climate change. Dr. Sungsoo Chun, a co-author of the study, underscored the vulnerability of women to climate-related health hazards, particularly those facing inequalities in healthcare access. The study focused on countries like Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, which are already grappling with the adverse effects of climate change, including significant temperature spikes during summer months. The findings from the study indicated a direct correlation between rising temperatures and a surge in cancer cases and deaths, with every additional degree Celsius resulting in a noteworthy increase in cancer prevalence. The study underscores the urgent need to address the intersection of climate change and women’s health vulnerabilities in the region.
Between 171 and 332 cases per 100,000 individuals were reported for each degree of warming, with ovarian cancer demonstrating the largest increase and cervical cancer the smallest. The percentage of female cancer-related deaths varied over time. Notably, this trend was not universal, as only six countries – Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Syria – showed a clear rise in both cancer incidence and mortality rates. For example, in Qatar, breast cancer cases surged by 560 per 100,000 individuals per degree of warming, while Bahrain experienced an increase of 330 cases.
These differences among countries suggest that temperature alone is not the sole factor at play. Elevated temperatures may exacerbate air pollution to a varying degree in different regions. Pollution, particularly particulate matter (PM), has been linked to increased cancer risks. It could also heighten UV radiation exposure or facilitate the spread of toxins through water and food sources.
Dr. Chun highlighted numerous ways in which rising temperatures may impact health, stating, “Temperature increase likely influences health through multiple pathways, such as heightened exposure to known carcinogens, disruption of healthcare services, and potential effects on cellular biological processes. Collectively, these mechanisms could elevate the long-term risk of cancer.”
Inequities and hidden risks pose challenges in interpreting the data, as an increase in cancer cases might be attributed to improved screening. However, the concurrent rise in mortality rates indicates a greater exposure to actual risk factors rather than just enhanced testing.
Despite controlling for GDP per capita, there may be other unmeasured factors contributing to the findings, as mentioned by Dr. Mataria. Nevertheless, the consistent associations observed across various countries and cancer types warrant further investigation.
The researchers delved into broader perspectives beyond biology, incorporating Eco-Social Theory and the Health Equity Framework to understand the role of environmental and social systems in shaping health outcomes. These frameworks shed light on why women are particularly vulnerable, given societal norms in certain regions that hinder women’s access to healthcare, along with cultural taboos that deter them from seeking medical assistance.
Apart from these social challenges, biological factors also come into play, with pregnancy increasing women’s susceptibility to complications during heatwaves. Adverse impacts of high temperatures and air pollution on pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth and fetal development issues, pose additional health risks for women in a warming world.
The Middle East and North Africa region confronts severe climate challenges, with experts projecting a substantial temperature increase by 2050. Already facing significant water stress and growing drought occurrences, these environmental shifts pose multifaceted threats to health, including through air pollution and resource scarcity.
Access to safe drinking water and sufficient food is limited in the region, where nearly half a billion people reside, with women making up 48.3% of the population. The health implications are significant, with 420,812 deaths from cancer reported in the region in 2019, including 175,707 women. The correlation between CCP/CCD and TEMP varies among countries (Source: Frontiers). Despite the heavy toll of cancer, many countries lack robust screening and treatment systems. Cultural obstacles hinder discussions about gynecological and breast cancer, while stigma and misinformation deter women from seeking timely help, impacting the effectiveness of treatment. The full extent of climate change’s impact on women’s health remains obscured, as rising temperatures, poor air quality, and unequal healthcare access contribute to escalating cancer rates. Urgent action is needed to bolster cancer screening programs, fortify health systems against climate challenges, and reduce exposure to environmental carcinogens. Addressing these vulnerabilities is crucial to curbing the growing cancer burden associated with climate change. Solutions must extend beyond healthcare, encompassing poverty alleviation, education, gender equality, and pollution control. Collaboration among governments, nonprofits, and local leaders is imperative to mitigate the crisis before it worsens. This information was sourced from The Brighter Side of News. Subscribe to their newsletter for more uplifting stories.
