Global Warming Drives Up Women’s Cancer Risk in Middle East

⁣Updated May 27, ⁤2025

A new study reveals that global warming is associated with increased rates and mortality of breast ‍cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, and cervical cancer among women in the Middle⁢ East‌ and North Africa. While the increases are ‍modest per degree celsius, researchers emphasize the considerable cumulative public health impact of climate change ‌on cancer risk.

The research, published in Frontiers in Public Health, examined data from 17 countries, including Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, and Iran, comparing cancer prevalence and ⁢mortality with rising temperatures between 1998 and 2019. These nations are particularly vulnerable to climate change, experiencing ⁣significant temperature rises.

Dr. Wafa ​Abuelkheir Mataria of the American‌ university in Cairo, the study’s lead author, stated ⁢that cancer‌ mortality, especially for ovarian and breast cancers, rises ‍with temperatures. She added that ⁣even⁣ small increases have a substantial ​public ⁣health impact.

Researchers⁤ noted​ that climate change creates an ⁤unhealthy environment, with rising temperatures, compromised food and water security, and poor air quality‌ increasing‍ disease and death rates. Natural disasters and unexpected weather also strain healthcare systems, perhaps delaying ​diagnoses and ‌treatment.

“Women are physiologically more vulnerable to ⁢climate-related health risks, particularly during ⁣pregnancy,” said Dr. Sungsoo Chun of the American University in Cairo.

The study found⁣ that cancer prevalence ‍rose by 173 to 280 cases per 100,000 peopel for each additional degree Celsius, with ovarian cancer showing ‍the largest increase. Mortality increased by 171 to 332 ‌deaths ⁣per 100,000 people per degree, again with ovarian cancer showing the greatest rise and cervical ​cancer the ⁢least.

Though, the ⁤rise was not uniform across all countries. Qatar, bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, ‌the United Arab⁣ Emirates, and ‍Syria saw the most significant increases, possibly due to extreme summer temperatures or other uncaptured factors. For example, breast ⁣cancer prevalence in Qatar rose by 560 cases per 100,000 people per degree Celsius, compared to 330 in bahrain.

The researchers suggest ⁣that temperature ⁢rise likely ​acts through multiple pathways, including increased exposure⁢ to carcinogens, ⁣disrupted healthcare delivery, and potential influence on biological processes. They also acknowledge that‍ improved cancer screening could contribute ‍to higher ‌prevalence rates, but the concurrent rise in death rates suggests that exposure to risk factors is the primary driver.

“This study cannot establish direct causality,” cautioned Mataria.”While we controlled for GDP per capita, other​ unmeasured factors⁤ could​ contribute.”

What’s next

The study underscores the importance of considering climate-related risks in public health planning. Researchers recommend ⁢strengthening ⁢cancer screening programs, building climate-resilient health systems, and reducing exposure‌ to⁢ environmental carcinogens to mitigate the growing cancer burden linked to climate change.