Rising global temperatures are not only damaging the planet, they can also increase the risk of cancer, especially for women. A new study found that breasts, ovarian, uterus and cervical cancers are becoming more common and more deadly in the Middle East and North Africa because the area experiences extreme climate changes.

Although an increase in cancer cases and deaths may seem small, researchers say this is statistically important. Over time, even slight growth can lead to a major public health challenge.

“As the temperature rises, the cancer mortality rate in women also increases, especially for ovarian and breast cancer,” Dr. Dr. of American University studies at Cairo. Wafa Abuelkhir Mataria said.

Climate Change and Cancer: What is the link?

Research published in Frontiers in Public Health, explains how environmental stress leads to climate change, can contribute to cancer growth and deterioration.

These include hot temperatures, poor air quality, food and water insecurity and frequent natural disasters. Together, these factors not only make people more sensitive to diseases, but also disrupt healthcare systems, it is difficult to get timely diagnosis and treatment for patients.

In the case of cancer, this can be particularly dangerous. Long cancer becomes infinite or untreated, it becomes equally difficult to manage, which is more likely to death.

Co-writer Dr. “Women are physically more weak for climate related health risks during pregnancy,” said Sungso Chun. But the situation is worse for women of underprivileged communities who often have limited access to healthcare. “

What did the study get?

Researchers analyzed figures from 17 countries in the Middle East and North Africa, in places like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iran and United Arab Emirates, which are already seeing some highest temperatures in the world.

They tracked the prevalence and mortality of cancer for four major cancer affecting women: between breasts, ovarian, cervical and uterine cancer, 1998 and 2019.

They found that with an increase in temperature every 1 ° C, cancer cases increased by 173 to 280 per 100,000 women, with the fastest growth in ovarian cancer. The mortality rate increased from 171 to 332 per 100,000 women.

Interestingly, only six countries – Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Syria – showed a clear increase in both cancer rates and deaths.

This may be due to more acute heat waves or high pollution levels in those areas. For example, in Qatar, in cases of breast cancer, 560 per 100,000 women per degree Celsius increased temperature, while Bahrain saw an increase of 330.

Why does it matter

While better screening can partially explain an increase in diagnosis of cancer, it is not responsible for increasing deaths alone, researchers mentioned.

In fact, the initial identity usually leads to low deaths, not more. This suggests that rising temperatures may grow to weaken cancer -causing substances or health systems, which can lead to poor consequences.

“We are not saying that heat causes cancer directly. But strong associations in countries mean the possibility of climate change is playing a role and needs to study more,” Dr. Mataria said.

Researchers say that this study highlights governments to plan climate -related health risks. This means improving cancer screening programs and reducing environmental pollution.