How rising temperatures may be linked to cancer cases and deaths among women in Middle East and North Africa

Special How rising temperatures may be linked to cancer cases and deaths among women in Middle East and North Africa
1 / 2
A woman walks by at Al Mamzar Beach on February 27, 2024, in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. A study says the connection between rising temperatures and increasing cases of the four types of cancer was found to be significant in the UAE and five other Mideastern countries. (Corbis via Getty Images)
Short Url
Updated 19 July 2025
Follow

How rising temperatures may be linked to cancer cases and deaths among women in Middle East and North Africa

How rising temperatures may be linked to cancer cases and deaths among women in Middle East and North Africa
  • Researchers link rising temperatures to higher cancer rates and urge deeper study of climate-health risks facing women regionwide
  • New evidence suggests climate change may be worsening cancer outcomes for women, prompting calls for urgent regional response

LONDON: Researchers at the American University in Cairo have identified a disturbing link between rising temperatures and increases in cases of breast, cervical, ovarian and uterine cancers among women in the Middle East and North Africa region.

The key message of a study that has identified “a significant correlation between prolonged exposure to high ambient temperatures and all four cancer types” is as simple as it is urgent, said Wafa Abu El-Kheir-Mataria, senior researcher at the Institute of Global Health and Human Ecology at the American University in Cairo.

“Our findings make it clear that climate change is not a distant or abstract threat. It is already impacting women’s health in tangible ways,” said Dr. Kheir-Mataria, co-author with Prof. Sungsoo Chun, associate director of the institute, of a new paper published in the journal Frontiers in Public Health.

“In the MENA region, rising temperatures are significantly correlated with increased prevalence and mortality of several cancers affecting women.”

She added: “This evidence highlights the urgent need to integrate climate risks into cancer control strategies today, not tomorrow.”

The study looked at 17 countries in the MENA region and examined how increasing average temperatures coincided with how often women were getting certain cancers and dying from them.

The connection between rising temperatures and increasing cases of the four types of cancer was found to be significant in just six countries — Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Syria and Jordan.

The finding that the four wealthy Gulf states featured significantly was a “very important observation,” said Dr. Kheir-Mataria, and one that merits urgent further investigation.




Wafa Abu El Kheir-Mataria, senior researcher at the American University in Cairo. (Supplied)

“The Gulf countries have some of the strongest healthcare systems in the region,” she said.

“However, what our findings may reflect is that even high-performing systems are now facing new, complex challenges brought about by climate change — challenges that may not yet be fully addressed within traditional cancer control strategies.”

The Gulf states, she added, “are also among those experiencing the most extreme and rapid increases in temperature, which can amplify environmental exposures that are not always visible or easily managed, such as air pollution or heat-related physiological stress.”

At the same time, “social and behavioral factors, like health-seeking behaviors or cultural barriers to early screening, may continue to influence outcomes despite strong system capacity.”

DID YOU KNOW?

• Breast, ovarian, uterine and cervical cancers are rising in parts of MENA as temperatures increase year on year.

• Even Gulf countries with strong health systems show above-average increases in cancer deaths linked to climate stress.

• Researchers say a 4 C rise by 2050 could amplify health risks, but more local studies are urgently needed.

Dr Kheir-Mataria wants “more in-depth, country-specific research in countries such as Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Our study is an important starting point, but it has clear limitations. We worked with publicly available data and focused primarily on the relationship between temperature and cancer outcomes, while controlling for income.

“However, many other important factors such as air pollution levels, urban heat islands, occupational exposure, genetic predispositions, and healthcare utilization patterns were beyond the scope of this analysis.”

To fully understand all the factors at play, “we need access to more granular data and the opportunity to examine these additional variables in context.




 displaced Palestinian woman washes a cap n the beach in Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip on June 24, 2024. A study says the connection between rising temperatures and increasing cases of the four types of cancer was found to be significant in six Mideastern countries. (NurPhoto via Getty Images)

“That’s why we are actively seeking local partnerships with research institutions, ministries of health, and environmental agencies and funding to support collaborative studies.”

The Gulf states, she said, “are uniquely positioned to lead the way in advancing global understanding of climate-related health risks, and we would be honored to work together to generate evidence that informs national policy and protects women’s health in the face of climate change.”

Meanwhile, it is necessary to “acknowledge that environmental stressors such as rising temperatures and air pollution can exacerbate cancer risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as women, and incorporate climate change adaptation into cancer control plans.”

Adaptation strategies “might include strengthening early detection and screening services in high-risk areas, ensuring healthcare facilities remain accessible during climate-related disruptions, and integrating environmental risk monitoring into public health planning.”





A woman with cancer cleanses her skin in a make-up class. Cancer therapy with chemotherapy or radiotherapy can drastically change the appearance of the patient with hair loss, loss of eyelashes and eyebrows or skin irritation. (Picture Alliance via Getty Images)

Dr Kheir-Mataria said this “involves cross-sectoral collaboration between health, environmental, and planning ministries to build climate resilient healthcare systems.”

The study combined two decades of data from the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation’s Global Burden of Disease with statistics on temperature change from the FAOSTAT Climate Change database of the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, for every year from 1998 to 2019.

Applying a method of statistical analysis called multiple linear regression, which adjusted results to take account of socioeconomic differences between countries that might influence health outcomes, the researchers were able to identify “a clear pattern: where temperatures rose, cancer rates and deaths often rose too.”

This was expressed in the percentage increase in cases and deaths for each degree Celcius the temperature rose. For example, the largest increase in deaths was found in ovarian cancer, with an overall average increase across the 17 countries of 0.33 percentage points per degree.

But increased numbers of deaths from ovarian cancer were higher than average in Jordan and the UAE (both 0.48).

Although the overall increase in deaths from cervical cancer was the lowest of the four diseases (0.171), the increase was higher than average in Iran (0.3), Jordan (0.45), and Qatar (0.61).




A study says the connection between rising temperatures and increasing cases of the four types of cancer was found to be significant in six Mideastern countries. (NurPhoto via Getty Images)

In Saudi Arabia, significant increases in cases were detected in ovarian (0.29) and uterine (0.36) cancers. An above-average increase in deaths in the Kingdom was found in breast cancer (0.31). 

The paper points out that, with a temperature rise of 4 C expected by 2050, “the MENA region is particularly at risk due to global warming.”

In 2019, 175,707 women in the region died from cancer. But, Dr Kheir-Mataria said, it was not possible to simply multiply the study’s findings by four to predict the number of additional cancer deaths by 2050 related to rising temperatures.

“This is a question we fully understand the interest in, but we must be very careful not to overstate what our data can tell us,” she said.




A displaced Palestinian woman is being seen on the beach in Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip on June 24, 2024. A study says the connection between rising temperatures and increasing cases of the four types of cancer was found to be significant in six Mideastern countries. (NurPhoto via Getty Images)

“Our study found a statistical association between rising temperatures and cancer deaths among women. However, these are correlations, not predictions, and they were based on historical data over a specific period, with many other contributing factors.

“Projecting the number of additional deaths by 2050 based on a hypothetical 4 C rise would go beyond what our data allows, as it would require complex modelling that includes population growth, healthcare system changes, adaptation measures, and other environmental or behavioral variables.

“We did not conduct such a projection in this study, and doing so responsibly would require a separate research design.”

She added: “That said, the potential implications of a 4 C increase are certainly concerning, particularly in countries already experiencing extreme heat.

“This is why we strongly advocate for further research, including dynamic modelling and country-level analyses, to understand and prepare for the possible long-term health impacts of climate change, especially on women.”

 

 


Turkish foreign minister to discuss Israel’s Gaza City plan in Egypt visit, source says

Updated 3 sec ago
Follow

Turkish foreign minister to discuss Israel’s Gaza City plan in Egypt visit, source says

Turkish foreign minister to discuss Israel’s Gaza City plan in Egypt visit, source says
Fidan will meet El-Sisi and other officials to discuss bilateral ties and regional issues, including the Gaza ceasefire negotiations
Fidan will also discuss developments in Africa, including in Libya, Sudan and Somalia

ANKARA: Turkiye’s foreign minister will travel to Egypt on Saturday for talks with senior officials on Israel’s plan to take control of Gaza City and on the humanitarian situation there, a Turkish Foreign Ministry source said on Friday.

Israel’s political-security cabinet approved a plan early on Friday to take control of Gaza City, as it expands its military operations despite growing domestic and international criticism over the devastating almost two-year-old war.

NATO member Turkiye, which has said Israel’s assault on Gaza amounts to a genocide and halted all trade with it, condemned the plan of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s “fundamentalist government,” and urged world powers and the United Nations Security Council to act to prevent its implementation.

During his visit to Cairo, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will meet Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and other officials to discuss bilateral ties and regional issues, including the Gaza ceasefire negotiations — mediated by Egypt, Qatar and the United States — as well as Israel’s takeover plan, the source said.

Fidan will “evaluate joint efforts to end the genocide in Gaza and allow the unhindered access of humanitarian aid into Gaza, emphasize that the occupying Israel’s actions targeting a two-state solution and its latest steps toward the annexation of Gaza are the biggest obstacle to regional peace and stability,” the source said.

Ankara has praised Egypt, Qatar and the United States for their mediation efforts between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas, whose attack in 2023 prompted Israel’s war on Gaza. It has rejected any Gaza takeover plans or attempts to displace Palestinians.

Fidan will also discuss developments in Africa, including in Libya, Sudan and Somalia, the person added.

Belgium summons Israeli ambassador over Gaza control plan

Belgium summons Israeli ambassador over Gaza control plan
Updated 9 min 37 sec ago
Follow

Belgium summons Israeli ambassador over Gaza control plan

Belgium summons Israeli ambassador over Gaza control plan
  • “The aim is clearly to express our total disapproval of this decision,” Prevot posted on X

BRUSSELS: Belgium said Friday that it was summoning the Israeli ambassador over Israel’s plans to “take military control” of the Palestinian territory of Gaza.


“The aim is clearly to express our total disapproval of this decision, but also of the continued colonization,” Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot posted on X.


Israeli airstrike kills Palestinian official and bodyguard in east Lebanon

Israeli airstrike kills Palestinian official and bodyguard in east Lebanon
Updated 26 min 21 sec ago
Follow

Israeli airstrike kills Palestinian official and bodyguard in east Lebanon

Israeli airstrike kills Palestinian official and bodyguard in east Lebanon
  • The airstrike killed Mohammed Wishah, a member of the central committee of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine
  • Senior PFLP official Marwan Abdel-Al mourned in a post on social media the death of Wishah

BEIRUT: An Israeli airstrike on eastern Lebanon killed a number of people, including a senior member of a Palestinian group and his bodyguard as they were on their way to Syria, news reports and his group said Friday.

The Thursday afternoon airstrike near the Lebanese border crossing of Masnaa killed Mohammed Wishah, a member of the central committee of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, the group said in a statement.

There was no immediate comment from Israel.

Senior PFLP official Marwan Abdel-Al mourned in a post on social media the death of Wishah and his bodyguard, Mufid Hussein. “We have lost two of the most loyal comrades who gave their precious souls to freedom,” Abdel-Al wrote.

Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency said the airstrike on east Lebanon killed six people and wounded 10, without identifying the victims.

Since the Israel-Hamas war began in October 2023, Israel has targeted Palestinian officials in Lebanon, including PFLP members. Three FPLP members were killed in an airstrike on a Beirut apartment last September.

A FPLP official said Wishah had been in Lebanon to meet with other officials with the group and was on his way back to Syria when the airstrike happened. The official spoke on condition of anonymity due to not being authorized to speak to the media.

The PFLP statement said Wishah was born in the Gaza Strip in 1954 and spent five years in Israeli jails shortly after he joined the Palestinian group in 1973.

For many years, the leftist and secular PFLP has been the second-largest member of the Palestinian Liberation Organization after Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah group.

On Friday morning, an Israeli drone strike hit a car in a coastal highway in south Lebanon killing citizen journalist Mohammed Shehadeh, NNA said. Hezbollah later said Shehadeh was one of its members.

Since the 14-month Israel- Hezbollah war ended with Israel has carried out scores of airstrikes on Lebanon mainly targeting Hezbollah members.


EU chief says Israel must reconsider Gaza control plan

EU chief says Israel must reconsider Gaza control plan
Updated 34 min 1 sec ago
Follow

EU chief says Israel must reconsider Gaza control plan

EU chief says Israel must reconsider Gaza control plan
  • She urged the release of all hostages and the “immediate and unhindered access” for aid

BRUSSELS: EU chief Ursula von der Leyen called on Israel on Friday to reconsider its plan to further extend the military’s control over the Palestinian territory of Gaza.

“The Israeli government’s decision to further extend its military operation in Gaza must be reconsidered,” she said on X.


She also urged the release of all hostages and the “immediate and unhindered access” for humanitarian aid in Gaza. “A ceasefire is needed now.”


Germany stops military exports that could be used in Gaza

Germany stops military exports that could be used in Gaza
Updated 08 August 2025
Follow

Germany stops military exports that could be used in Gaza

Germany stops military exports that could be used in Gaza
  • The move by Germany appears likely to further isolate Israel in the wake of the controversial military takeover plan
  • Chancellor Friedrich Merz calls on Israel to allow comprehensive access for aid deliveries

BERLIN: Germany will not authorize any exports of military equipment that could be used in Gaza “until further notice,” Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced Friday, in a strikingly quick response by one of Israel’s strongest international backers to a decision by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Cabinet to take over Gaza City.

The move by Germany, which has previously stopped short of tougher lines against Israel’s government taken by some of its European Union allies, appeared likely to further isolate Israel in the wake of the controversial military takeover plan that has been decried by the United Nations and supporters of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza.

In a statement, Merz emphasized that Israel “has the right to defend itself against Hamas’ terror” and said that the release of Israeli hostages and purposeful negotiations toward a ceasefire in the 22-month conflict “are our top priority.”

He said Hamas must not have a role in the future of Gaza.

“The even harsher military action by the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip, approved by the Israeli Cabinet last night, makes it increasingly difficult for the German government to see how these goals will be achieved,” he added. “Under these circumstances, the German government will not authorize any exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice.”

The German government remains deeply concerned about the suffering of civilians in Gaza, he said, adding: “With the planned offensive, the Israeli government bears even greater responsibility than before for providing for their needs.”

He called on Israel to allow comprehensive access for aid deliveries – including for UN organizations and other NGOs – and said Israel “must continue to comprehensively and sustainably address the humanitarian situation in Gaza.”

Germany also called on Israel’s government “not to take any further steps toward annexing the West Bank.”

It was not immediately clear which military equipment from Germany would be affected.

Germany, with its history with the Holocaust, has been among the strongest Western backers of Israel – no matter which government is in power. Merz’s government did not join announcements by President Emmanuel Macron of key German ally France and Britain’s Keir Starmer that they plan to formally recognize a Palestinian state in September.