A Proposal for a National Cancer Control Plan for the UAE: 2022-2026

• Published in: Clinics and practice Vol. 12; no. 1; pp. 118 - 132
• Main Authors: Al-Shamsi, Humaid O, Abyad, Amin M, Rafii, Saeed
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 17.02.2022; MDPI
• Subjects: Annual reports; arab; Breast cancer; cancer control; Colorectal cancer; Community health care; Epidemiology; Females; Infectious diseases; International organizations; Leukemia; Lung cancer; Medical research; Medical screening; middle east; Mortality; Oncology; Palliative care; Pediatrics; Population growth; prevention; Quality control; registry; Review; United Arab Emirates; registry; middle east; cancer control; prevention; arab
• ISSN: 2039-7275; 2039-7283; 2039-7283
• DOI: 10.3390/clinpract12010016

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the fastest growing economies with consequent increase in non-communicable diseases including cancer. The number of reported cases and mortality have been increasing in the UAE over the years, despite screening and early detection efforts which appear to be far from target coverage of the intended population. In this work, we highlight key elements of a proposed national cancer control plan for the UAE. The plan is still a work in progress and has not yet been officially adopted. A comprehensive and effective control plan requires accurate data, a reliable cancer registry, and periodic monitoring and evaluation. The UAE cancer control plan is being prepared in line with the WHO and EMRO framework, with defined objectives and goals. The objectives are to combat cancer, reduce incidence, control mortality, and improve outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients. There is also a focus on improving public health education, prevention, early detection, prompt diagnosis, treatment facilitation, continuity of care, performance evaluation, training of workforce, and research.