JEDDAH, 8 January 2005 — Cancer affects 70 out of 100,000 people in Saudi Arabia and there are 7,000 new cases of the disease every year, according to the Saudi Arabia Cancer Registry.
Among men, the most common types of cancer are of the liver, lymphatic glands, blood and lungs. As for women, breast cancer is the widest spread followed by thyroid, blood and lymphatic cancer.
Specialists in the field of oncology in Saudi Arabia expect the cancer cases to increase to 14,000 a year. Although genes play a role in getting some types of cancer there are other factors that have been proven to have a direct link such as smoking and diet. Despite that, many people in Saudi Arabia are not aware of the risks involved in living an unhealthy lifestyle and are careless about regular checkups.
Cancer specialists from around the world, and across the region, will gather to discuss the latest research and therapies in the fields of oncology and hematology. Held under the patronage of the Dubai government’s Department of Health and Medical Services, the First Novartis Middle East and Africa Oncology Summit, taking place today and tomorrow at Dubai’s Grand Hyatt Hotel, will present more than 500 physicians with an opportunity to review the latest standard of care, as well as discuss its application to the specific needs of the region. Kahdi Saeed Murooshed, Director General of Dubai government’s Department of Health and Medical Services, will give the keynote address.
Several hundred physicians are expected to attend the event, with regional representatives confirmed from the countries of Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Syria, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. International speakers have also been confirmed from Denmark, Italy, Switzerland, the UK and the US.
“We at Novartis Oncology are committed to innovation in the field of oncology and making our new therapies broadly available in a truly global fashion,” said Rainer Boehm, vice president, Novartis Oncology, who will arrive in Dubai to speak at the event.
