Global Warming & Women’s Cancer Risk: New Research
- 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...
- 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...
- 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.
Global warming is escalating women’s cancer risk, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa.New research reveals a concerning link between rising temperatures and increased rates and mortality of breast, ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers. The study, published in Frontiers in Public Health, highlights significant increases, especially for ovarian and breast cancers, impacting vulnerable populations with limited healthcare access. These findings underscore the urgent need for climate-resilient health systems and strengthened cancer screenings. As temperatures rise, understanding the intricate connections between the habitat, health, and women is critical. News Directory 3 is committed to bringing you the latest updates on these complex issues. Discover what’s next in the fight against climate change and its health impacts.
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.