The Kingdom’s ICGC membership reportedly came due to its key scientific position in light of research on cancer genetics in the Kingdom and existence of scientifically qualified cadres, Al-Riyadh reported.
A scientific team at King Faisal headed by senior cancer researcher Khawla Al-Karia uncovered the genetic code of more than 500 cases of thyroid cancer.
The choice of thyroid cancer research came as a result of its spread in the Kingdom. It is the second highest type of cancer among women after breast cancer and is also highly prevalent throughout the world.
Al-Karia expressed pleasure over Saudi Arabia’s membership in the ICGC. She added the need to uncover the genetic code of thyroid cancer stemmed from the fact this type of cancer accounted for 13.4 percent of overall cancer cases among women in the Kingdom compared to 3.3 percent in the United States.
The ICGC was formed by the National Center for Cancer in Maryland, USA. Soon after its formation, a number of countries joined the center including Canada, Britain, France, Germany, Australia and Japan.
