COMMENTARY Gynecological Cancer Services in Arab Countries: Present Scenario, Problems and Suggested Solutions

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for 7.6 million deaths mounting to around 13% of all deaths in 2008 (Globocan, 2008). Gynecological malignancies account for 9% of all female cancers worldwide, cervical cancer is the leading gynecological cancer worldwide represents 4% of all female cancers. Half million new cervical cancer cases diagnosed each year, half of them died as a result of their disease. Uterine and ovarian cancers account for 2% each while all others gynecological cancers represent <1% of the total female cancers (Globocan, 2008). In 2008, the World Health Organization (WHO) identified cancer as one of the four leading threats to human health and development (along with cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes); therefore all healthcare strategic planning should include cancer management and control in its core plan. Arab countries are spread in two continents, Asia and Africa. Despite the difference in the available resources among these countries; however there are great similarities in the attitude and behaviors of men and women in these countries along common cultural and religious believes. There are huge differences in the available resources among Arab countries. This is very obvious in the a huge variation in the Human Development Index (HDI) among these countries. HDI is most widely accepted measure of country’s welfare, combining three welfare indicators namely health, education and income. United Arab Emirates is the top Arab country based on this index