Khaled Al Khawaldeh (Abu Dhabi)
Lung cancer is a persistent and often deadly disease impacting the GCC and broader region usually associated with high rates of smoking. However, doctors from around the UAE believe many of the deaths caused by the cancer are preventable and are in fact overwhelmingly a result of poor and late diagnosis.
In 2020, a total of 226 new cases were reported in the UAE, making lung cancer the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the country, according to doctors.
Dr. Shaheenah Dawood, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Director of Cancer Research and Professor of Oncology at Mediclinic Hospital, told Aletihad that early detection, and healthy lifestyle choices were critical to curbing the impact of lung cancer. She underscored the importance of understanding the symptoms of the cancer, and seeking medical help earlier rather than later.
“There are two main types of lung cancer: small-cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer accounting for about 85% of all cases. It doesn’t grow and spread as fast as small-cell lung cancer,” she explained.
“Common symptoms associated with NSCLC such as fatigue, shortness of breath, cough and weight loss, contribute significantly to the overall humanistic burden of the disease. Patients with NSCLC often experience debilitating symptoms such as fatigue, dyspnea and pain, which can lead to a decline in physical function and overall health-related quality of life (HRQoL).”
Dr. Dawood said that 60% of patients had reported difficulties with self-care and household chores, while 50% face challenges with work activities and social engagements. Additionally, she said 40% experience a negative impact on family life with 60% of patients concerned about their treatment options, financial stability, and future prospects. She said it was the commitment of staff to continually push for earlier detection and better methods of treatment.
“Lung cancer remains one of the most significant health challenges, and we are dedicated to advancing research, early detection, and innovative treatments to improve patient outcomes,” she said.
Pedro Matos Rosa, the Managing Director, Gulf, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, told Aletihad that “targeted therapy”, an emerging form of treatment, was leveraging AI and genomics to improve mortality rates.
“Targeted therapy, which attacks specific cancer cells without harming normal cells, and immunotherapy, which empowers the body's immune system to fight cancer, are among the innovative treatments being developed,” he explained.
With some estimates putting the cost of lung cancer alone at around $3.9 trillion, and the human cost to families insurmountable, Rosa said it was crucial that the healthcare sector come together to offer better solutions for patients.
“We know that cancer has a devastating effect on those diagnosed and their loved ones. Our fight to eradicate cancer is never-ending as we collaborate with the brightest minds in the industry and leverage AI and genomics to transform lung cancer treatment. Our aim is to not only take down the disease but to change and save lives.”