A recent workshop held in Kuwait highlighted the significant impact of lifestyle changes and early detection in reducing cancer cases and improving patient outcomes. Dr. Khalid Al-Saleh, Chairman of the Cancer Aware Nation (CAN) campaign, emphasized that smoking accounts for approximately 80 percent of lung cancer cases, while one-third of all cancer cases could be prevented by avoiding key risk factors such as unhealthy lifestyle habits, poor diet, and certain viral infections.
The online event, part of CAN’s 15th annual breast cancer awareness campaign, brought together medical experts to discuss strategies for prevention and early diagnosis. Dr. Al-Saleh categorized cancer risk factors into two groups: unavoidable influences like age and genetics, and avoidable factors that include lifestyle choices and viral exposure. Avoiding four major risk factors alone could reduce cancer incidence by an estimated 37 percent. He also noted that human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination has led to a roughly 90 percent reduction in cervical cancer rates in studies conducted in Asian countries and Sweden.
Dr. Maha Al-Sendi, an oncology consultant with the Bahrain Oncology Center, pointed out that about half of female cancer patients in the Gulf region receive diagnoses at advanced stages, despite treatment success rates exceeding 95 percent when cancers are detected early. She observed that cancers tend to emerge roughly a decade earlier in the Gulf compared to Western countries, with an average diagnosis age around 45. According to her, Kuwait is projected to lead the Gulf region in overall cancer incidence by 2024 and ranks second for breast cancer cases, behind the United Arab Emirates.
Kuwait’s National Breast Cancer Early Detection Program has screened over 46,000 women, identifying 418 cases, all among asymptomatic patients, underlining the importance of routine screening before symptoms arise. Dr. Latifa Al-Kandari, head of diagnostic radiology at Adan Hospital, provided data showing a consistent increase in screening numbers from nearly 3,000 in 2014–2015 to over 6,000 last year, along with corresponding case detections. The program targets Kuwaiti women aged 40 to 69 who have not been screened in the previous year, excluding pregnant or breastfeeding women and those with recent cancer diagnoses.
Medical professionals stressed the need for women to pay attention to warning signs such as newly developed lumps, changes in breast size or shape, nipple discharge, and swelling under the armpit. Dr. Al-Kandari also recommended maintaining healthy habits, including regular physical activity, smoking cessation, and weight management, to help reduce cancer risk. Awareness campaigns play a critical role in correcting misconceptions, such as the unfounded fear that biopsies or pressure on the breast could promote cancer spread.
Psychological counsellor Nadia Al-Obaidi underscored the emotional challenges faced by cancer patients, who often fear the disease’s implications for their appearance, relationships, and professional lives. She emphasized the importance of accurate health information and encouraged open discussions about these fears. Survivors sharing their experiences were noted as valuable in breaking down stigma and encouraging timely medical consultation.
Workshop moderator Dr. Hessa Al-Shahin described cancer as increasingly managed like other chronic conditions and recommended comprehensive annual screenings for women over 40, as well as regular breast self-examinations for younger women. She highlighted the role of family support, psychological counseling, and community engagement in recovery and prevention efforts. Additionally, initiatives like Dar Makin, run by the Cancer Society, assist survivors in becoming advocates to promote awareness and screening.
Participants agreed that sustained, year-round awareness initiatives linked to accessible screening services and consistent data monitoring are essential to reducing late-stage cancer diagnoses and improving patient outcomes across the Gulf region.