Rising global temperatures are not merely an environmental concern; they may also pose a significant health threat, particularly increasing cancer risks among women. A groundbreaking study has revealed that breast, ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers are not only becoming more prevalent but also more lethal in regions like the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) as they grapple with extreme climate fluctuations.

While the uptick in cancer cases and mortality rates may appear minor at first glance, researchers assert that the findings are statistically significant. Over time, even small increases can culminate in substantial public health crises.

"As temperatures rise, cancer mortality among women also rises, particularly for ovarian and breast cancers,” commented Dr. Wafa Abuelkheir Mataria, the lead author of the study conducted at the American University in Cairo.

Understanding the Connection: Climate Change and Cancer

The research, published in the esteemed journal Frontiers in Public Health, delves into how environmental stressors linked to climate change can contribute to the emergence and exacerbation of cancer cases.

Key factors under scrutiny include soaring temperatures, deteriorating air quality, food and water scarcity, and the increasing frequency of natural disasters. Together, these elements not only heighten vulnerability to illnesses but also disrupt healthcare infrastructures, complicating timely diagnosis and treatment for patients. Particularly alarming is the fact that the longer cancer remains undetected or untreated, the more challenging it becomes to manage, leading to elevated mortality rates.

“Women are physiologically more vulnerable to climate-related health threats, especially during pregnancy. The situation becomes even more dire for women from disadvantaged communities who frequently have limited access to essential healthcare services,” emphasized co-author Dr. Sungsoo Chun.

A Deep Dive into the Findings

In the course of the study, researchers analyzed data spanning 17 countries in the MENA region, including nations like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, which are currently experiencing some of the most significant temperature hikes globally.

They meticulously tracked the prevalence and mortality rates associated with four major cancers that predominantly affect women: breast, ovarian, cervical, and uterine cancer, during the period from 1998 to 2019. The data revealed a concerning trend: for every 1 degree Celsius increase in temperature, the incidence of cancer cases surged by 173 to 280 per 100,000 women, with ovarian cancer experiencing the steepest rise. Concurrently, death rates climbed by 171 to 332 per 100,000 women.

Notably, only six countries—Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Syria—demonstrated a clear correlation between rising cancer rates and mortality. The researchers suggest that escalating temperatures may be linked to increased exposure to carcinogenic substances or may be undermining healthcare systems, resulting in poorer health outcomes.

For instance, in Qatar, the incidence of breast cancer rose dramatically by 560 cases per 100,000 women for every degree Celsius rise in temperature, while Bahrain documented an increase of 330 cases.

The Significance of These Findings

While improved screening could partially explain the surge in cancer diagnoses, the researchers assert that this factor alone cannot account for the corresponding rise in mortality rates. Typically, early detection is associated with a reduction in deaths, not an increase, suggesting that other factors are at play.

“We’re not claiming that heat directly causes cancer. However, the strong associations observed across different countries indicate that climate change likely plays a significant role and warrants further study,” Dr. Mataria remarked.

Highlighting the urgent need for proactive measures, the researchers advocate for governments to develop strategic plans to address climate-related health risks. This includes enhancing cancer screening programs and implementing measures to reduce environmental pollution, thus protecting the health of women and, by extension, the broader population.

Published By: Daphne Clarance
Published On: May 27, 2025