Cancer Genetics in the Arab World - A Review of Genomic Studies and Regional Cancer Patterns

Sep 23, 2026

Cancer Genetics in the Arab World reviews how cancer incidence, genetics, and outcomes in Arab populations differ from Western cohorts, despite the region being underrepresented in the literature. The review synthesizes genomic studies and GLOBOCAN 2022 data to map epidemiological and genetic landscapes. It focuses on lung, breast, and colorectal cancers, assessing subregional incidence trends, key mutations, and profiles of hereditary and early-onset disease, while identifying persistent gaps for future research.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages14

Reading Time35 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

Cancer Genetics in the Arab World Waleed S. AlAmri, PhD 1 , Muna AlJabri, PhD2 , Aisha AlAbri, MS 1 , and Thomas A. Hughes, PhD3,4 Technology in Cancer Research & Treatment Volume 24: 1-14 © The Author(s) 2025 Article reuse guidelines: [sagepub.com/journals-permissions](sagepub.com/journals-permissions)[ ](sagepub.com/journals-permissions)[DOI: 10.1177/15330338251336829](DOI: 10.1177/15330338251336829)[ ](DOI: 10.1177/15330338251336829)[journals.sagepub.com/home/tct](journals.sagepub.com/home/tct) Abstract Cancer remains a major global health burden, with incidence rates rising globally. The Arab world, which is often regarded as an underrepresented population in literature, shows distinct patterns in cancer incidences, genetics, and outcomes in comparison with Western populations. This review aims to highlight key genomic studies conducted in the Arab world. We describe the epidemiological and genetic landscape of cancer in the Arab populations, focusing on lung, breast, and colorectal cancers, given their prominence and distinctive patterns in the region. We utilised data from GLOBOCAN 2022 and published genomic studies to assess subregional incidence trends, identify signiﬁcant mutations, and explore hereditary and early-onset cancers proﬁles. Breast, lung, and colorectal cancers dominate the cancer proﬁle in the region, with disparities in genetic alterations when compared to global trends. Variation in EGFR mutation frequencies in lung cancer across diverse ethnicities in the MENA region is representative of the extreme heterogeneity in the Arab region. Variations in BRCA1/2 mutation frequency, and unique founder mutations highlight breast cancer’s particular regional genetic traits. Similarly, colorectal cancer studies show variations in mutational proﬁles, such as a low incidence of BRAF mutations and distinct epigenetic characteristics that represent region-speciﬁc disease pathways. Early-onset cancers, particularly breast and colorectal cancers, occur at higher rates than in Western populations and often diverge from the typical germline mutation patterns reported globally. The review emphasises the importance of conducting localised genetic studies in improving personalised medicine and public health strategies. Despite these efforts, signiﬁcant gaps remain, particularly in understanding early-onset cancers and hereditary cancer genetic disorders, which are overrepresented in the region. Further research on the genetic basis of cancer in Arab populations is essential for advancing personalised treatment and improving cancer outcomes in these under-researched groups. Keywords cancer genetics, the Arab world, cancer in underrepresented populations, cancer genomics, cancers in Arab world Introduction Cancer remains a global burden, being the second most common cause of death worldwide with approximately 10 million deaths in 2020 .1 The aetiology of cancer is complicated, but our knowledge of the causes of malignancies has advanced substantially over the past 50 years.2,3 It is now widely accepted that malignancies result from mutation-driven evolutionary processes driving genetic variation and natural selection, which favour expansion of cells with carcinogenic variants.4 This genetic diversity contributes to the observed heterogeneity in cancer incidence and death, both within and between population subgroups.5,6 Variations in cancer incidence and mortality are well documented, with studies showing that they are driven by disparities in age, sex, ethnicity, and geographical location.7,8 For instance, African Americans have the greatest death rate and the shortest survival for most cancer types among all racial/ethnic groups in the United States.9 Recent studies have consistently demonstrated the impact of racial and ethnic differences on cancer incidence, survival, medication response, and on basic cancer biology in terms of 1 Department of Histopathology & Cytopathology, Royal Hospital, M

FAQs

What is the main purpose of the review in Cancer Genetics in the Arab World?

To highlight key genomic studies conducted in the Arab world and to describe the epidemiological and genetic landscape of cancer in Arab populations.

Which cancer types receive special focus in the review?

Lung, breast, and colorectal cancers are emphasized because they show prominent and distinctive patterns in the region.

How does the review address hereditary and early-onset cancers?

It examines profiles of hereditary and early-onset cancers and notes that early-onset cases, especially breast and colorectal, occur at higher rates than in Western populations.

Sep 23, 2026

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