EPIDEMIOLOGY OF BREAST CANCER IN THE ARAB REGION BETWEEN 1999 AND 2024: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Breast cancer (BC) poses a significant health challenge in both developed and developing countries, with limited research in the Arab region compared to the West. The aim of this review was to provide a comprehensive perspective on breast cancer incidence and mortality trends between 1999 and 2024, considering diverse socio-cultural and economic factors.A thorough literature review was conducted using sources such as PubMed, Medline, and recent WHO publications. Findings revealed that the incidence of breast cancer in the Arab world increased gradually during the period studied. However, the incidence of breast cancer among women in the Arab region was lower than the global average, and the mortality rate among women with breast cancer in the Arab region was lower than the global average. Age-standardized incidence and mortality rates have increased since 1990.The country-specific data showed that the more developed Arab countries tended to have a higher burden of breast cancer. Factors such as urbanization, increased life expectancy, and adoption of westernized lifestyles have been associated with the observed increase in breast cancer rates. Despite promising breast cancer screening initiatives, most Arab countries lack a structured universal screening program and participation rates are very low.The increasing incidence and burden of BC in the Arab region is remarkable, especially considering the limited resources of developing countries in this region. Appropriate strategies such as expansion of screening programs and careful resource management are needed to effectively manage the burden of BC.