Climate change and women’s cancer in the MENA region: assessing temperature-related health impacts

Funding Sponsor

Filson Historical Society

Author's Department

Institute of Global Health & Human Ecology

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https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1529706

All Authors

Wafa Abu El Kheir-Mataria Sungsoo Chun

Document Type

Research Article

Publication Title

Frontiers in Public Health

Publication Date

1-1-2025

doi

10.3389/fpubh.2025.1529706

Abstract

Introduction: Climate change poses a significant threat to public health, exacerbating health inequalities. Women in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, identified as high-risk, are particularly affected. Objective: This study investigates the influence of rising temperatures on cancer prevalence and mortality among women in the MENA region, filling critical knowledge gaps. Methods: We employed Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) analysis to examine the correlation between increased ambient temperatures and the prevalence and mortality of four types of cancer (breast, cervical, ovarian, and uterine) across 17 MENA countries. Results: Our analysis indicates a significant correlation between prolonged exposure to high ambient temperatures and all four cancer types studied. Notably, the prevalence of breast, ovarian, and cervical cancers is markedly influenced by temperature increases. Conclusion: The findings underscore the necessity of incorporating climate change adaptation strategies into national cancer control plans. Such integration is vital to mitigate the health impacts of climate change on women’s cancer prevalence and mortality in the MENA region.

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