Common chronic diseases and cancers in Dubai and the UAE

Looking back to the start of the pandemic, everyone naturally thought of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Wherever you are, you probably ponder about your health more than ever. While the COVID-19 pandemic was undoubtedly a cause for concern, there are cancers and chronic diseases as well.

Claiming three times as many lives annually as the COVID-19 pandemic did, diabetes is considered a silent killer. It is also one of the most prevalent chronic illnesses in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Let’s learn more about common chronic diseases and cancers in this Pacific Prime Dubai article.

What Are the Most Common Chronic Diseases and Cancers in the UAE?

Are you living with a chronic medical condition? Or maybe someone you know and care about is? As the world’s leading cause of death and disability, non-communicable or chronic diseases contribute to seven of the top 10 causes of death.

It is vital that you know how chronic conditions such as cancers, diabetes, and other genetic disorders can potentially threaten your health. 

Here is a list of the most common chronic diseases in the UAE, we’ve compiled a list of common chronic diseases in Dubai for you below.

1. Cancer

Every year, roughly 4,500 new cancer cases are reported in the UAE. In 2014, cancer was the 3rd leading cause of death in Abu Dhabi among nationals and expats, accounting for 16% of total death. The prevalence of cancers in the UAE is largely blamed on inadequate healthcare and unhealthy lifestyle.

Primarily caused by smoking, lung cancer is the most common cancer amongst men in the UAE. The Abu Dhabi Department of Health states that 71% of lung cancer deaths in the emirate is the result of smoking. Along with lung cancers, other cancers commonly found among men in the UAE include:

• Liver cancer
• Leukemia
• Colorectal cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Prostate cancer

In UAE women, the most common cancers include:

• Breast cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Leukemia
• Thyroid cancer
• Ovarian cancer

When it comes to cancer, prevention is key. Regular cancer screenings can help detect this life-threatening condition at an early stage. Certain cancers, such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, and colorectal cancer are curable if they are detected early enough and treated in time.

2. Diabetes

Diabetes in the UAE accounts for about 18.7% of the world’s highest rates, making it three times deadlier than COVID-19 was. Diabetics also account for at least 40% of reported COVID-19 deaths. On a global scale, one person dies of diabetes every eight seconds.

An estimated 422 million people worldwide are living with the chronic disease, and the number could reach 629 million by 2045. Also, 2.2 million people are expected to have diabetes in the UAE by 2040. 

Considered a regional affliction, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar are all featured in the top 20 countries with diabetes.

Diabetes affects around 19% of the UAE population. According to the Dubai Health Authority, the UAE currently ranks 10th internationally for diabetes prevalence.

Type 2 diabetes affects most adults with diabetes and is considered preventable in almost half of all cases. Around 10% of those with the disease have Type 1 diabetes.

Early diagnosis involves blood sugar testing. Costing DH 65-DH 105 (approx 18-29 USD), purchasing a glucometer is a relatively cost-effective way to check for diabetes. Diabetes treatment involves physical activity and a healthy diet, as well as smoking cessation and reducing blood glucose levels.

3. Genetic disorders

With over 400 genetic disorders in the UAE, the country’s health sector focuses on reducing the prevalence of these disorders by increasing awareness about prevention methods and early detection.

The Ministry of Health statistics reported that genetic disorders are the fourth highest cause of death in the country. Out of 193 countries, the UAE ranks sixth for birth defects, which are largely due to genetic issues.

Blood disorders are the most common genetic disorders in the UAE, including but not limited to:

• Anemia
• Sickle cell
• Thalassemia 
• Haemophilia
• Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD)

At least 8.5% of the country’s population carries the thalassemia gene, resulting in the government’s mandatory premarital screening. that has helped reduce the number of new cases since its implementation. 

While generic screening of thalassemia costs DH 120 (approx 33 USD), the cost of treatment is DH 35,000 (approx9529 USD) each year. Likewise, a three-month folic acid course that costs around DH 30 (approx 8 USD) can help prevent the risk of neural tube defects,  which generally cost around DH 730,000 (approx 198,753 USD) for treatments.

As with the chronic diseases previously mentioned, prevention and early detection of genetic disorders are also crucial.

How to Prevent and Detect Chronic Diseases

Many chronic conditions are caused by risk behaviors, which means healthy lifestyle choices can reduce your chances of a chronic disease. Plus, changes such as quitting smoking, eating healthy, and getting regular exercise will improve your overall quality of life. 

To prevent chronic diseases or detect them early on, it’s imperative to visit your doctor for preventative services on a regular basis. In fact, getting recommended screenings is one of the most fundamental things you can do for your health.

Prioritize Your Health with Pacific Prime Dubai

Health insurance allows you to put your health first by providing you with access to a large network of medical professionals, facilities, and more. Whether you’re looking for health insurance in Dubai or globally, Pacific Prime Dubai is your broker of choice.

With over 20 years in the insurance industry, we have the knowledge and expertise to help you get the right plan for your unique requirements. Compare plans from the top insurance companies in the UAE with our free plan comparison tool or contact us for impartial advice today!

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Wish Sutthatothon

Content Writer at Pacific Prime Dubai

Wish Sutthatothon (Nickname: Guy) is currently a content writer at Pacific Prime Thailand, an insurance broker that connects individuals and businesses with insurance providers worldwide. He creates and edits blog articles, guides, reports, webpages, and other types of digital content.

He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Arts, Media & Communication major (concentration: Creative Content) from Mahidol University International College (MUIC). During the compulsory major elective period in the summer of 2021 and voluntarily during the summer of 2022, he also interned as a video and photo editor at Mbrella Films.

He has experience working as an English Content Writer at a real estate buying/renting/selling platform in Thonglor. There, he crafted company blog posts on a multitude of topics. Topics include market trends, legal issues and disputes in property businesses, financial guides, expat guides, home insurance, home decoration and maintenance, and weekly real estate news quick-recaps. Occasionally, as part of the blog-writing process, he would also translate existing Thai blogs to English.

In his free time, Guy enjoys doing scriptwriting and storytelling for comic strips, watching movies, and listening to music (particularly film scores).

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