ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)

The 12th Emirates Oncology Conference (EOC) has concluded in Abu Dhabi, convening over 3,500 healthcare professionals, oncology specialists, and thought leaders to explore the latest advancements in cancer treatment and patient care.

Hosted by SEHA's Tawam Hospital, part of PureHealth, EOC 2024 served as a dynamic platform for advancing oncology practices, showcasing transformative research, and fostering knowledge exchange to drive forward cancer care standards across the UAE and GCC.

With cancer ranking as the third leading cause of death in the UAE (accounting for 13 percent of fatalities), EOC 2024 addressed the need for proactive, collaborative healthcare strategies.

The conference reaffirmed SEHA's commitment to aligning the UAE's oncology practices with leading international standards, focusing on early detection, cutting-edge treatments, and patient-centred care to meet the region's growing cancer burden.

The conference presented a comprehensive agenda featuring 35 sessions and 18 workshops focused on critical advancements in personalised medicine, precision treatments and the role of artificial intelligence in oncology.

Topics covered breakthroughs in breast and lung cancer treatments, immuno-oncology, gastrointestinal oncology, and molecular tumour boards, with expert-led sessions exploring transformative approaches to enhance clinical outcomes and tackle emerging challenges in cancer care.

Through collaborative discussions and knowledge exchange, participants explored groundbreaking advances in AI-driven healthcare models and innovative cancer therapies.

The success of the forum demonstrates SEHA's leadership in advancing cancer care and management, strengthening the UAE's position as a hub for world-class treatments tailored to today's healthcare needs.

Chair of Oncology Service at Tawam Hospital, Dr Khalid Balaraj, said, “The Emirates Oncology Conference has become a pivotal platform for driving advancements in cancer care across the GCC. This year, our focus was on turning discussions into actionable strategies that deliver tangible improvements in patient outcomes. By bringing together world-renowned experts and regional specialists, we are setting a new standard in oncology that not only meets global benchmarks but also addresses the unique healthcare needs of our community. This collaboration reflects SEHA’s commitment to leading healthcare innovation and supporting the UAE’s vision for excellence in oncology.”

EOC 2024 underscored the importance of integrating global expertise with regional insights, providing a critical forum for thought leaders to shape impactful advancements in cancer care.

The conference demonstrated SEHA’s dedication to addressing the growing cancer burden through early detection, advanced treatments, and comprehensive patient care—initiatives that align with the UAE's healthcare priorities and reinforce its mission to deliver transformative care that enhances community wellbeing.