The fourth annual conference of the Emirates Oncology
Society commenced yesterday in Dubai under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan bin
Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence.
Organised by the association with the support of the
Emirates Medical Association and the Gulf Oncology Society, the event spans two
days and has drawn more than 1,400 specialists in the field of oncology and
related disciplines.
The conference features a lineup of 90 speakers from various
countries, including France, Germany, and the United States, as well as
esteemed doctors from the University of Houston.
Additionally, major international pharmaceutical companies
have made notable contributions to this gathering.
On the inaugural day of the conference, participants engaged
in discussions covering the latest global advancements in cancer diagnosis and
treatment.
Topics included the significance of supportive palliative
therapy, cutting-edge treatments like targeted therapy and bone marrow
transplantation, which have shown promise in managing previously incurable
cancer conditions. The event also showcased the most recent medical research
developments in the field of oncology.
In an exciting development on the sidelines of the
conference, a groundbreaking hormonal drug for the treatment of advanced-stage
breast cancer was officially launched. It is noteworthy that the UAE holds the
distinction of being the second country in the world to register this
innovative pharmaceutical breakthrough. This development represents a
significant stride forward in the battle against breast cancer.
The Emirates Oncology Society conference serves as a
critical platform for healthcare professionals to exchange knowledge, explore
breakthroughs, and advance the field of oncology. With the strong support of
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak and contributions from global experts, this year's event
promises to be a milestone in the ongoing fight against cancer.
During his opening address at the conference, Dr. Amin
Hussein Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary for the Health Regulation Sector at
the Ministry of Health and Community Protection, shed light on the cancer
landscape within the country.
He emphasised the UAE's remarkable commitment to advancing
healthcare, particularly in bolstering the cancer sector, raising health
awareness, actively engaging in significant scientific research endeavours, and
hosting pivotal conferences.
Dr. Al Amiri also provided insights into the national policy
aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles across the nation. This multifaceted
approach places a strong emphasis on encouraging healthy dietary choices,
promoting physical activity, and implementing stringent tobacco control
measures.
Furthermore, he discussed the robust pharmaceutical sector
in the UAE and the notable strides made in medical research and development,
highlighting an impressive 20 percent increase in medical research output
between 2017 and 2021.
Dr. Al Amiri illuminated the evolving cancer landscape
within the country, highlighting that in 2019, the incidence rate stood at
26percent among citizens and 74 percent among non-citizens, with a breakdown of
56 percent among women and 44 percent among men.
He underscored the significance of preventive measures,
explaining that a substantial 30-50 percent of cancer cases can be averted by
steering clear of risk factors. Early detection, he emphasised, offers a window
for effective treatment. In a somber note, Dr. Al Amiri noted that cancer
claimed the lives of more than 10 million individuals worldwide in 2020, with
projections indicating a potential increase to 18 million cases globally by
2040.
Professor Humaid bin Harmal Al Shamsi, President of the
Emirates Oncology Society and Conference Chairman, lauded the international
presence at the event, emphasising its role in disseminating knowledge about
the latest developments in the oncology and cancer sector.
He pointed to the active participation of esteemed
scientific bodies, underscoring the UAE's stature as a hub for medical
expertise.
He further emphasised the nation's success in raising
community awareness, sharing inspiring survivor stories, achieving high
recovery rates through early diagnosis and public health campaigns, and
providing access to cutting-edge treatments approved by the US Food and Drug
Administration. All of these factors, he proudly noted, position the UAE as a
leader in the field regionally.
In a complementary sentiment, Professor Lynn Schuchter,
President of the American Society of Oncology, expressed her satisfaction with
the quality of cancer services available in the UAE.
She commended the nation for its ability to attract global
medical expertise and its commitment to delivering advanced and contemporary
treatments aligned with the latest international standards.
Concluding the first day's proceedings, distinguished
doctors, organisations supporting the cancer sector, and major pharmaceutical
companies were honoured.
Additionally, the conference showcased the experiences and
resilience of cancer survivors, offering hope and inspiration to all in
attendance.
