Latest news with #KuwaitCancerControlCenter
Kuwait Times
15-05-2025
- Health
- Kuwait Times
Experts warn of risk factors as colon cancer on the rise
Experts warn of risk factors as colon cancer on the rise KUWAIT: Colorectal cancer has become one of the leading types of cancer in Kuwait, now ranking first among men and second among women, according to recent data from the Kuwait Cancer Control Center. Speaking at the launch of the the Cancer Aware Nation's (CAN) Colorectal Cancer Awareness Campaign Dr Khalid Ahmad Al-Saleh, Chairman of CAN's Board, warned that lifestyle choices, particularly diet and physical inactivity, are contributing significantly to this alarming trend. Dr Al-Saleh pointed out a troubling shift in cancer cases: 'Back in 1981–1982, colorectal cancer was ranked 8th in prevalence. Today, it ranks first among men and second among women in Kuwait.' He referenced data from the Kuwait Cancer Control Center, which reported 2,775 new cancer cases in 2020. Among these, there were 289 cases of colorectal cancer in Kuwaitis, and 120 cases in non-Kuwaitis (66 in men and 54 in women). A notable finding, he said, is the disproportionate rate of colorectal cancer among Kuwaiti men - 90 cases - despite non-Kuwaitis making up three times the population. 'This suggests there may be a problem with dietary habits among Kuwaitis. One major issue is the widespread consumption of fast food, which is ordered in large quantities every day,' he explained. He further stressed that cancer is a chronic disease, meaning the choices people make today - especially around food - can affect their health decades later. Dr Alnoud Al-Sumait highlighted the critical role of early detection. 'Colorectal cancer often develops silently, but with early screening, lives can be saved.' She explained that the disease involves abnormal cell growth and progresses very slowly, typically over 10 to 20 years. Both environmental and genetic factors contribute to its development, and it can often be cured if caught early. According to the Global Cancer Observatory, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide. Dr Al-Sumait identified both uncontrollable and controllable risk factors. While age, family history, and chronic intestinal diseases cannot be changed, modifiable risks include poor diet, lack of physical activity, smoking and obesity. She warned about foods that raise the risk of colorectal cancer, especially processed meats, red meat and ultra-processed foods. These include fizzy drinks, instant soups, sweets, biscuits, colored breakfast cereals, and flavored yogurts - products typically high in fat and low in fiber. She explained that red meat contains heme iron, which can damage the colon lining and promote the formation of harmful compounds like N-nitroso, known to increase the risk of DNA mutations. Processed meats carry similar risks. In terms of prevention, Dr Al-Sumait recommended the following: Consume 25–35 grams of fiber daily; limit red meat intake to 500 grams per week; avoid processed meats; use healthy cooking methods; engage in regular physical activity; quit smoking; and undergo routine medical check-ups. Dr Al-Saleh emphasized that raising awareness requires patience and determination. 'Unfortunately, awareness is progressing slowly - not only in Kuwait but across many parts of the world, where there is still more focus on treatment than prevention,' he noted. To reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, doctors recommend: •A diet rich in fiber (25–35 grams daily) •Limiting red meat to 500 grams per week •Avoiding processed meats entirely •Regular physical activity •Quitting smoking •Periodic screenings. Factbox
Kuwait Times
04-05-2025
- Health
- Kuwait Times
KCCC: 28 reconstructive surgeries performed for breast cancer patients
KUWAIT: Under the patronage of Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi, the Kuwait Cancer Control Center (KCCC) organized a specialized workshop focusing on reconstructive and cosmetic surgery for breast cancer patients, hosting renowned visiting surgeons to introduce modern surgical techniques and plans. Dr Magda Al-Saleh, Consultant Surgical Oncologist and Head of the Breast Oncology and Reconstructive Surgery Unit at KCCC, explained that this year's workshop placed greater emphasis on reconstructive breast surgery rather than cosmetic enhancements. The workshop catered to breast cancer patients who had undergone partial or total mastectomies. The center welcomed two leading reconstructive surgeons from the United Kingdom—Dr Dimitri Hajimissian and Dr Peter Barry—who performed delicate and complex reconstructive surgeries, requiring high levels of expertise. Dr. Al-Saleh noted that due to the center's heavy caseload of primary breast cancer operations, reconstructive surgeries are not carried out daily but are instead concentrated in specialized workshops hosted by prominent visiting surgeons. During the four-day event, 28 breast reconstruction surgeries were performed—a significant number given the short timeframe. The first day of the workshop was dedicated to case discussions, clinical evaluations, and determining individualized reconstruction plans for each patient. Dr Al-Saleh pointed out that a similar workshop last year saw 26 reconstructions completed out of 34 cases presented. Highlighting a concerning trend, Dr Al-Saleh warned of the increasing incidence of breast cancer in Kuwait, particularly among younger women aged 20 to 30, and emphasized the need for dedicated research to better understand the causes behind these rising rates. Dr Salah Fayaz, Oncology Consultant at KCCC, stressed the importance of these annual workshops in keeping local surgical teams updated on the latest global advances in breast reconstruction and plastic surgery techniques. He praised the workshop's outcomes, noting that surgeries incorporated diverse international planning approaches to the benefit of patients. Dr Fayaz also underscored the critical importance of early screening, especially for individuals with a family history of breast cancer. He explained that genetic testing is available to detect mutations linked to the disease. Despite nationwide awareness campaigns and the availability of the Ministry of Health's National Early Screening Program, he lamented that many cases are still diagnosed at late stages. He reminded the public that while national guidelines recommend breast cancer screenings starting at age 40, individuals with hereditary risk factors are strongly advised to begin screenings at a younger age.
Arab Times
05-04-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
Kuwait's medical expert Dr. Nada Al-Shatti joins the faculty of American Society for Tissue Matching
KUWAIT CITY, April 5: In a remarkable scientific achievement that adds to Kuwait's growing list of national competencies, Dr. Nada Jassim Al-Shatti, Head of the Immunology and Tissue Matching Unit for Organ and Stem Cell Transplantation at the Kuwait Cancer Control Center, and Director of the Faculty of Immunodiagnostics Program at the Kuwait Institute for Medical Specialties, has been selected to join the faculty of the American Society for Tissue Matching for Organ and Stem Cell Transplantation. This prestigious program is one of the world's leading educational initiatives in the field of organ and stem cell transplantation. It gathers a distinguished group of experts and scientists from around the globe to discuss the latest advancements and technologies in tissue matching and clinical immunology. Dr. Al-Shatti's selection to participate as a member of the academic team for this esteemed scientific event highlights her exceptional scientific and professional competence, as well as her distinguished position both locally and internationally in a field that is crucial to modern medicine. This achievement underscores the progress made by Kuwaiti professionals in critical medical fields and affirms Kuwait's increasing influence and presence in global scientific forums.
