More than 25 medical experts will focus on early detection and prevention of cancer at a conference to be held in Abu Dhabi this week.

The first International Oncology Conference, themed “Improving cancer care with early detection and prevention,” will take place at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers on October 24 and 25, under the patronage of Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al-Nahayan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development.

Experts from US, UK, Austria, Egypt, India and the UAE will discuss scientific presentations and comprehensive educational content in cancer research, detection, prevention, treatment and care at the conference, which is organised by the Scientific Committee and Burjeel Medical City.

According to Health Authority – Abu Dhabi, cancer is the second leading cause of death in the UAE, while in the Middle East it ranks fourth.

Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, conference chairman and managing director of Burjeel Hospital and LLH Hospital, said: “Many cancers have a high chance of cure if detected early and treated adequately. Cancer can be reduced and controlled by implementing evidence-based strategies for cancer prevention, early detection of cancer and management of patients with cancer.

“The conference aims to provide a global platform for global and local medical faculty, government as well as non-government cancer control officials to get together and exchange views on how to deal with cancer.”

The conference is accredited for Continuing Medical Education (CME) hours and will benefit doctors and healthcare professionals interested in the treatment of cancer disease.

Globally, about 30 per cent of cancer deaths are due to the five leading behavioural and dietary risks: high body mass index, low fruit and vegetable intake, lack of physical activity, tobacco use and alcohol use. While the incidence of cancer in the region is still well below that in western countries, it is expected to experience the highest increase among all WHO regions in the next 20 years, said HAAD.

The rise can be attributed to population ageing due to increased life expectancy, declining fertility, tobacco use, alcohol use, environmental pollution, agricultural carcinogens, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity, it said.

Strategies for preventing, assessing and managing therapies for the most frequent types of cancers in the UAE, like breast, colorectal, lung and cervical cancers, will be discussed through interactive sessions and debates at the conference.

It will feature recent updates, consolidated knowledge, and conversations on controversial issues regarding prevention, risk factors, imaging and screening, diagnosis, clinical management and new approaches in targeted therapies. - TradeArabia News Service