Authored by: Humza Rana
Cancer recovery in the Arab world is a multi-faceted journey that often requires integrating cultural practices with modern medical treatments. In many Arab nations, traditional methods such as herbal medicine, cupping therapy (Hijama), and spiritual practices have been part of healthcare for centuries. These methods, deeply rooted in the cultural and religious beliefs of the region, continue to play a significant role in the emotional and physical healing of patients.
Arabic and Islamic traditional plants have emerged as a good source of complementary and alternative medicine in treating cancer. Traditional Arab-Islamic herbal-based medicines might be promising for new cancer therapeutics with low toxicity and minimal side effects. The plants used are mostly in crude form and still needs advance research for the isolation of phytochemicals and establishing its cellular and molecular role in treating cancer.
The State and Path of Cancer in the Arab World
Discussions persist regarding the extent to which cancer stems from random genetic mutations in replicating cells compared to individual and environmental influences. However, there is nearly unanimous agreement that numerous cancer cases could be averted through modifications in personal and communal behaviors. The WHO has outlined six focal points for cancer prevention:
- tobacco (80 percent of the globe’s smokers reside in LMIC),
• physical inactivity and dietary elements (including alcohol consumption),
• infections (cancers arising from preventable infections like hepatitis and HPV account for 25 percent of cancer cases in LMIC),
• environmental contamination (including indoor air pollution from cooking with fuels),
• workplace carcinogens (such as exposure to asbestos),
• radiation (including ultraviolet rays from sunlight).
Regrettably, all these elements are prevalent in the MENA region, exacerbated by numerous unstable governments and nations in conflict that struggle to fulfill even the most fundamental health requirements of their citizens.
Tobacco use is one of the most widespread activities contributing to cancer in MENA, particularly lung cancer. While global smoking rates are declining, as much as 50 percent of the MENA population engages in tobacco use, and projections suggest that this figure could rise to 62 percent by 2025. There is significant variation among different countries, with Oman reporting the lowest figures. Jordan stands out with the highest smoking rates worldwide, as over 80 percent of Jordanian men admit to having smoked or used nicotine products. Additionally, this small nation is ranked second globally for interference from tobacco companies, with substantial lobbying efforts and direct involvement in shaping lax regulations. This situation has resulted in ‘alarmingly high’ cancer rates in Jordan, with many cases being diagnosed in individuals younger than 50.
In Lebanon, where cancer prevalence is among the highest in MENA, smoking (both cigarette and water pipe) accounts for most cancer diagnoses. Approximately one-third of Beirut’s residents report smoking, consisting of 30 percent of healthcare professionals and 20 percent of expectant mothers. This nation, embroiled in a severe economic and political crisis, faces health expenses related to smoking nearing $150 million. Smoking remains widespread among university students throughout MENA, establishing enduring habits that negatively impact cancer outcomes across their lifespan.
Beyond the health implications, the economic repercussions are significant; in 2015 alone, it was estimated that the region experienced a loss of $30 billion due to smoking-related fatalities.
Cancer as a Threat to Health
Cancer is a disease that can present when a group of cells begins growing out of control in tissue, eventually invading other parts of the body. It is a leading cause of death in almost every country in the world, and it affects people across demographics and geographies. As life expectancies around the world rise and exposure to cancer risk factors (like highly processed diets and pollution) reach more people, both diagnosis and mortality increase. In 2020, there were approximately 19 million new cases diagnosed globally, most of which were breast, lung, or colorectal cancer, and 10 million deaths. Men are more likely to die from cancer than women due to the distribution of cancer types, and diagnosis and treatment vary depending on environmental and socioeconomic characteristics of countries and communities.
Improvement in MENA Region
There are many other factors contributing to increasing cancer rates and mortality in the MENA region, some in situations that are difficult to quantify. For example, it is known that poor public health infrastructure makes health promotion and outreach efforts more difficult, which is the case in MENA. However, on many other health indicators, like life expectancy, MENA has been improving, suggesting some public health success. That said, longer life spans mean increased risk of cancer. MENA also features high rates of armed conflict, and although much more research is needed, links between armed conflict and cancer have emerged from recent literature. While most studies on the links between cancer and war are conducted on veterans, evidence from Iraq post–US invasion showed a dramatic jump in forms of cancer not previously seen in the country, especially in areas where heavy military action occurred. Further, the resources devoted to conflicts, and the societal breakdown inherent in them, takes energy and resources away from battling threats to health and well-being.
Recommendation
To address the challenges presented in “Cultural Awareness in Cancer Recovery: Melding Traditional Techniques with Contemporary Treatments in the Arab World,” several solutions can be implemented to integrate cultural sensitivity into cancer care. First, training healthcare professionals in cultural competency is crucial to ensuring that oncologists and other caregivers understand and respect the traditional beliefs of their patients. This can promote more personalized, empathetic care while providing the opportunity to educate patients about the safe integration of both traditional and modern treatments. Encouraging collaboration between traditional healers and oncologists would also enhance treatment plans, combining the strengths of contemporary therapies with culturally familiar practices, such as herbal remedies and spiritual support.
Moreover, conducting research to scientifically validate the effectiveness of traditional healing methods could play a vital role in safely blending them with modern cancer treatments. Building trust with patients is another essential aspect; community engagement and educational campaigns, led by local healthcare practitioners, would promote awareness of how traditional and contemporary treatments can coexist to benefit patients. A holistic approach is also vital, where mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being are prioritized alongside physical recovery, allowing patients to address all aspects of their health.
Additionally, personalized dietary plans, integrating both modern nutrition and traditional healing foods, could further enhance patient recovery. Support from governments and healthcare policies to formalize the use of traditional treatments within cancer care, paired with the establishment of specialized integrative centers, would ensure a more structured approach to combining these methods. These changes would not only facilitate better cancer recovery in the Arab world but also support the role of family in recovery and utilize technology to bridge gaps in cultural communication. Ultimately, such holistic, culturally sensitive approaches can significantly improve cancer care, enhancing both patient outcomes and quality of life.
Future
The future of “Cultural Awareness in Cancer Recovery: Melding Traditional Techniques with Contemporary Treatments in the Arab World“ lies in the increased research and clinical validation of traditional healing practices alongside modern medical treatments. This will enable oncologists to provide a more holistic and culturally sensitive approach to patient care. As clinical trials become more common, these methods will be rigorously evaluated for their safety and efficacy, ensuring a seamless integration with conventional cancer therapies. Medical education will evolve, incorporating cultural competency to ensure healthcare providers are better equipped to respect and understand the cultural nuances of their patients.
Healthcare systems in Arab nations could also adopt more personalized care models, emphasizing not just physical recovery but mental and emotional well-being, giving patients more control over their treatment plans. The integration of complementary therapies like prayer, meditation, and acupuncture may become a staple in cancer recovery, further emphasizing the importance of spiritual healing in the process. Governments and health systems may introduce policies to formalize the integration of traditional medicine with modern oncology practices, improving accessibility to culturally appropriate care.
Public awareness campaigns and educational programs will ensure that patients are better informed about their options, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Advances in technology, such as telemedicine and digital health platforms, will also support this integration by offering remote consultations and resources, bridging gaps between patients and healthcare professionals. Regional collaboration across Arab nations will foster the development of best practices and shared knowledge, making it possible to create regional standards for combining traditional and modern approaches in cancer treatment. Ultimately, this integration has the potential to improve not just survival rates but also the overall quality of life for cancer patients, offering a more compassionate and culturally relevant approach to cancer recovery.
Conclusion
Incorporating cultural awareness into cancer recovery programs by blending traditional healing practices with modern treatments offers a holistic, patient-centered approach in the Arab world. With appropriate educational initiatives, healthcare policies, and research into safety and efficacy, this integrated model can enhance the emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being of cancer patients, leading to improved recovery outcomes.
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