Overview

• Researchers found that each 1°C temperature increase between 1998 and 2019 was tied to 173–280 additional cancer cases and 171–332 extra deaths per 100,000 women for four cancer types.
• The study covered 17 MENA nations and identified the strongest temperature-linked increases in Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Syria.
• Authors highlight that women’s physiological vulnerability and structural inequalities leave marginalized groups at greater risk of climate-driven cancer burdens.
• With regional temperatures projected to climb by up to 4°C by 2050, researchers warn that cancer incidence and mortality could worsen without targeted action.
• Key recommendations include expanding cancer screening programs, developing climate-resilient health systems and reducing exposure to environmental carcinogens.