Older Adults and Cancer: A Growing Challenge in the MENA Region

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is experiencing a significant health crisis as the number of older adults, particularly those 85 and older, developing cancer is increasing at an alarming rate. This trend is growing faster in MENA than in many other parts of the world.

Alarming Statistics

• New Cancer Cases (1990-2021)
• MENA: Increased by 54.2%

• Global: Increased by 25.3%

• Cancer Deaths (1990-2021)
• MENA: Increased by 17.6%
• Global: Increased by 3.1%

Gender Disparities

Women in this age group are facing even steeper increases in both new cancer cases and deaths.

• Annual Percentage Change in Cancer Cases
• MENA Women: +1.96%
• MENA Men: +0.83%
• Global Women: +0.28%
• Global Men: +0.47%

• Annual Percentage Change in Cancer Deaths
• MENA Women: +1.27%
• MENA Men: +0.33%
• Global Women: -0.07%
• Global Men: +0.11%

Most Common Cancers

• Older Men in MENA:
• Prostate
• Lung

• Colorectal

• Older Women in MENA:
• Breast
• Colorectal
• Lung

Call to Action

The growing cancer burden among the oldest adults in MENA demands urgent attention. Key measures include:

• Preventive healthcare strategies
• Improved access to healthcare
• Better cancer registration systems
• Tailored screening and treatment strategies for older adults
• Investment in geriatric oncology and healthcare infrastructure

Policymakers must prioritize these areas to ensure that the aging population receives the care they need.