Why is Cancer Incidence in the Arab Countries Much Lower than Other Parts of the World?

According to global health data, cancer incidence rates in the Arab countries remain much lower compared to Western and other global populations. This article delves into several possible contributing factors including traditional practices, genetics, and lifestyle habits that may explain this disparity. Specific attention will be given to Ramadan fasting, autophagy, and inflammation.

Lower Cancer Rates in Arab Countries

While cancer rates have increased in the Arab regions in recent years, they are still significantly lower than those reported in Western countries. Based on the World Health Organization, cancer alone was responsible for over 10 million deaths in 2020, ranking as the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Common types of cancer include breast, lung, colon, rectum, prostate, non-melanoma skin, and stomach cancers. In 2020, over 2 million new cases of breast and lung cancer alone were reported.

Data from the American Cancer Society shows that Australia and New Zealand have the highest cancer rates, with 452.4 and 422.9 cases per 100,000 people respectively. In contrast, the Middle Eastern region has much lower rates. Egypt and Lebanon report the highest rates of 159.4 and 165.8 cases per 100,000 people respectively, while Saudi Arabia and Sudan have the lowest rates of 96.4 and 95.7 cases per 100,000 people respectively.

Factors Contributing to Lower Cancer Incidence in Arab Countries

The lower incidence of cancer in Arab countries can be attributed to a variety of factors, including:

Traditional Practices

Traditional practices such as fasting and the consumption of foods with special spices may play a significant role. For instance, Ramadan, a religious practice in which Muslims abstain from food and drink during daylight hours for a month, has been studied for its potential benefits in cancer prevention. Studies suggest that intermittent fasting could reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy. Research has shown that breast cancer patients who fasted for at least 13 hours at night had a significantly lower risk of cancer recurrence.

Another study conducted at Southern California University also supports the idea that fasting could increase the sensitivity of cancer cells to chemotherapy while protecting normal cells and promoting stem cell production. Additionally, the RAMAEKER study highlights the potential of certain compounds that selectively reduce the survival of cancer cells under nutrient-deprived conditions.

Genetics

Genetic factors may also contribute to the lower incidence of cancer in Arab countries. Studies indicate that certain genetic variations may offer some degree of protection against cancer. Researchers have identified several genetic risk factors for cancer, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, which are more prevalent in certain populations.

Lifestyle Factors

Other lifestyle factors that may contribute to lower cancer incidence in Arab countries include lower rates of smoking and alcohol consumption. Both smoking and alcohol are strong risk factors for many types of cancer. In contrast, many Arab countries have strict laws and cultural taboos against tobacco use, which may partially explain the lower cancer incidence rates.

Inflammation and Cancer

Inflammation is a significant factor in cancer development and progression. Chronic inflammation has been linked to poorer cancer prognosis and treatment outcomes. Studies suggest that intermittent fasting may have anti-inflammatory effects, as evidenced by decreased monocyte counts and inflammatory activity after a short fast. This anti-inflammatory effect may help reduce the risk of cancer by modulating the body's response to inflammation.

Autophagy and Cancer

Autophagy, a cellular process that degrades and recycles intracellular components to maintain homeostasis, plays a complex role in cancer. While autophagy can inhibit tumor formation, it can also enable cancer cells to adapt, proliferate, and survive. Research has shown that fasting decreases glucose levels in the bloodstream, which can limit the growth of cancer cells that rely heavily on glucose. This process enhances insulin's ability to remove glucose from the blood, thus reducing the availability of glucose to cancer cells.

Conclusion

The lower incidence of cancer in Arab countries is a complex phenomenon influenced by a combination of traditional practices, genetics, and lifestyle factors. While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind these differences, evidence suggests that practices such as intermittent fasting, reductions in inflammation, and genetic factors may play crucial roles. Understanding these factors could lead to new strategies for cancer prevention and treatment.