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

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is facing a significant health issue: more older adults, especially those 85 and older, are getting cancer. This problem is growing faster here than in many other parts of the world. From 1990 to 2021, the number of new cancer cases in this age group in MENA increased by 54. 2%, while globally, it went up by only 25. 3%. The number of deaths from cancer in this group also rose by 17. 6% in MENA, compared to just 3. 1% worldwide. Women in this age group are seeing even steeper increases in both new cancer cases and deaths. The annual percentage change in cancer cases for women in MENA was +1. 96%, while for men, it was +0. 83%. Globally, these numbers were much lower at +0. 28% for women and +0. 47% for men. Similarly, the annual percentage change in cancer deaths for women in MENA was +1. 27%, compared to +0. 33% for men. Globally, cancer deaths even decreased slightly for women at -0. 07%, while for men, it was +0. 11%.The most common cancers in older men in MENA are prostate, lung, and colorectal cancer. For older women, the most common are breast, colorectal, and lung cancer. However, these trends vary from country to country within the region. This growing cancer burden among the oldest adults in MENA highlights the need for better healthcare strategies. Preventive measures, improved access to healthcare, and better cancer registration systems are crucial. Additionally, screening and treatment strategies should be tailored to the needs of older adults. Policymakers need to focus on geriatric oncology and invest in healthcare infrastructure to ensure that the aging population receives the care they need.