A Proposal for Cancer Control Plan in the UAE
Authors: Al-Shamsi Humaid O. , Abyad Amin M. 
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Cancer is a growing health problem globally. The late diagnosis of a significant portion of the cases, especially in the developing world, is still a key factor in increasing mortality. Cancer is the fourth leading cause of death in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and the third in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to local data. The incidence is expected to double in the next two decades due to population growth, urbanization, increased life expectancy, and a westernized lifestyle. The mortality-to-incidence ratio in the UAE is 0.39, which is comparable to that in the developed world (National Cancer Registry (UAE). The Statistics and Research Department—National Disease Registry Section. Year List. 2021, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011. Report. https://smartapps.moh.gov.ae/ords). Every country is required to focus on the configuration of resources and infrastructure in a well-organized, well-designed plan to regulate cancer care delivery close to home in an equitable, standardized, and reproducible pattern.

The Cancer Burden: Because the UAE is one of the fastest-growing economies, the incidence of both malignant and nonmalignant diseases has increased. The number of reported cases and cancer mortality have been rising in the UAE over the years, despite trials for the implementation of screening and early detection programs that appear to be far from reaching the target coverage of the intended population.

Cancer Control Plan: A comprehensive and effective control plan requires accurate data, a reliable cancer registry, and periodic monitoring and evaluation. The UAE cancer plan is being prepared according to the WHO and EMRO framework recommendations, with clear objectives and defined goals. The objectives are to fight cancer, reduce its incidence, decrease its related mortality, and improve outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients. The plan highlights the importance of improving public health awareness, cancer prevention, early screening, precise diagnosis, updated evidence-based treatment, multidisciplinary care, performance evaluation, training of the workforce, and research.

The Future: There is a well-known need to achieve and maintain excellence. We must improve and broaden the cancer registry. We need to invest our efforts and dedication in preventive oncology. It is empirical to incorporate knowledge, technological development, and new medications as per international data and guidelines based on trials. We must strive to develop pathways and guidelines and implement them while continuously monitoring performance with key performance indicators (KPIs). There is a need to broaden cancer care efforts with the involvement of all stakeholders. We need to deliver cancer services with equity and affordability. It is essential to induct a qualified workforce, improve their knowledge through training and continuing education, and monitor their performance. To stay on track, preparation and international accreditation from well-known world organizations are required.

Conclusions: The UAE economy is growing rapidly with a substantial burden of cancer, which is expected to increase with consequent morbidity and mortality. The implementation of a comprehensive and effective cancer control plan is therefore needed to fight cancer effectively. The UAE cancer plan is prepared with well-defined objectives and defined targets. The objectives are to decrease cancer incidence, restrict morbidity and mortality, improve outcomes, and augment the quality of life for cancer patients. We have to incorporate ever-growing knowledge, ongoing technological development, and newly approved medications as per international data and guidelines. We should also endeavor to develop local clinical pathways and guidelines and continuously assess our cancer services. We need to build up cancer care initiatives with the active participation of all stakeholders to enable the delivery of cancer services with equity and affordability, keeping in mind the issues of cost-effectiveness and appropriate distribution of resources. We need to integrate and link primary health care, secondary care hospitals, tertiary referral centers, and private advanced cancer care centers. We should focus on development and invest in preventive oncology by boosting education, screening, and early detection. The delivery of quality care and outcomes can be improved by focusing on all aspects of the service offering.