MoHAP Unveils National Guideline For Lung Cancer Screening And Diagnosis To Enhance Early Detection

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), alongside health authorities and AstraZeneca, has introduced the National Guideline for Lung Cancer Screening and Diagnosis. This initiative aims to detect and diagnose cancer early, ensuring healthcare services meet international standards. The guideline was unveiled at a conference in Dubai, attended by Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand and other key health representatives.

The guideline is designed to create a comprehensive framework for identifying high-risk populations, setting screening eligibility criteria, and outlining data documentation needs. It aims to ensure safe, high-quality care, timely referrals for diagnosis and treatment, and provide evidence-based recommendations to reduce lung cancer incidence and mortality.

Targeting individuals aged 50 to 80 years who meet specific criteria, the guideline applies to all healthcare providers offering early cancer detection services. Eligible individuals can be encouraged to undergo screening through primary healthcare centres or smoking cessation centres under the National Tobacco Control Programme.

Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand emphasised that this guideline reflects the UAE’s dedication to preventive healthcare. It strengthens efforts to reduce non-communicable diseases and cancer-related deaths by providing a unified framework of clinical standards that improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes.

The UAE prioritises reducing tobacco-related chronic diseases through national legislation and preventive health policies. Measures such as excise taxes on tobacco products and electronic nicotine regulation have led to a decline in tobacco use nationwide.

Dr. Al Rand highlighted the importance of raising public awareness about lung cancer risks, reducing smoking, and improving air quality. These efforts align with "We the UAE 2031" and the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030.

Role of Technology in Healthcare

Artificial intelligence will be crucial in implementing the guideline's standards by aiding image analysis and diagnostic confirmation with radiology specialists. Computer-aided diagnostic (CAD) systems help minimise medical errors, serving as decision-support tools that streamline workflows across screening centres.

Dr. Buthaina Bin Belaila noted that cancer is the third leading cause of death among non-communicable diseases in the UAE, accounting for 12.4% of total deaths in 2023. Despite its burden, most cases are preventable through early detection.

The guideline aims to enable healthcare providers to diagnose lung cancer early, initiate prompt treatment, improve patient outcomes, and reduce mortality rates. Dr. Buthaina stressed that leveraging innovation is vital for safeguarding public health.

This initiative positions the UAE as a regional leader in preventive healthcare by developing an integrated national early detection system using advanced technology.

With inputs from WAM