Over 7000 Bahrainis affected by cancer in 15 years

As many as 7,250 new cancer cases have been recorded among Bahrainis during the past 15 years, it has been confirmed recently.

The latest statistics provided by Health Ministry showed that 3,331 new cases were recorded among males between 2,000 and 2014, while 3919 cases were recorded among females in the same period.

In her reply to a parliamentary query submitted by MP Abdulrahman Buali about cancer status among Bahrainis in the previous 15 years and the reasons behind the spread of the disease among citizens, Health Minister Faeqa bint Saeed Al Saleh revealed the latest statistics in regards to cancer and Bahraini cancer patients.

The Minister explained that cancer cases have decreased among Bahraini males in comparison to females, who kept steady rates in regards to cancer diagnosis.

She also revealed that the most common cancer cases among Bahraini men is lung cancer with 506 new cases in 14 years, while breast cancer is the most common among females with 1, 545 new cases in the same period. Colorectal/colorectum cancer was the second most common among males and females alike, with 391 new cases for men and 306 for women between 2000 and 2014.

According to the statistics, 3,450 Bahrainis passed away due to cancer in 14 years with an annual average of 230 death cases, with 265 in 2014 alone.

The Minister added that the increase of cancer cases was related to the increase of the average age among Bahrainis, explaining that most cancer cases were recorded among the elderly.  

The Minister’s answers will be discussed during the next weekly parliament session on Tuesday.