Breast Cancer in the Arabian Gulf Countries

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in all six countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). In our research, our focus was on understanding how often breast cancer occurs and how this pattern has evolved within the GCC. The authors’ objective is to shed light on the challenges related to the changing landscape of breast cancer and to raise awareness among healthcare leaders and individuals working in these affected regions about areas that need improvement. We identified that in the past, there were difficulties in accurately tracking breast cancer cases, but there has been recent progress with more detailed reporting in national cancer registries. Nevertheless, there remains a shortage of information, particularly regarding the spread of breast cancer, treatment methods, and patient outcomes. The limited available data are mostly outdated and may not accurately reflect the current status of breast cancer in the GCC. This is because medical approaches to breast cancer treatment and patient outcomes are continually evolving with the introduction of new therapies. ABSTRACT: Breast cancer stands as the prevailing malignancy across all six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations. In this literature review, we highlighted the incidence and trend of breast cancer in the GCC. Most of the studies reported a consistent increase in breast cancer incidence over the past decades, which was particularly attributed to the adoption of a Westernized lifestyle in the region and the implications of emerging risk factors and other environmental and societal factors, the increase in screening uptake, as well as the improvement in data collection and reporting in the GCC. The data on breast cancer risk factors in the GCC were limited. In this geographic region, breast cancer frequently manifests with distinctive characteristics, including an early onset, typically occurring before the age of 50; an advanced stage at presentation; and a higher pathological grade. Additionally, it often exhibits more aggressive features such as human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positivity or the presence of triple-negative (TN) attributes, particularly among younger patients. Despite the growing body of literature on breast cancer in the GCC, data pertaining to survival rates are, regrettably, meager. Reports on breast cancer survival rates emanating from the GCC region are largely confined to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In the UAE, predictive modeling reveals 2-year and 5-year survival rates of 97% and 89%, respectively, for the same period under scrutiny. These rates, when compared to Western counterparts such as Australia (89.5%) and Canada (88.2%), fall within the expected range. Conversely, Saudi Arabia reports a notably lower 5-year survival rate, standing at 72%. This disparity in survival rates underscores the need for further research directed toward elucidating risk factors and barriers that hinder early detection and screening. Additionally, there is a pressing need for expanded data reporting on survival outcomes within the GCC. In sum, a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of breast cancer dynamics in this region is imperative to inform effective strategies for prevention, early detection, and improved patient outcomes.