Reimagining prostate cancer care: Patient centricity and collaboration take center stageReimagining prostate cancer care: Patient centricity and collaboration take center stage

Healthcare entities across the UAE are proactively tackling prostate cancer on multiple fronts through a comprehensive strategy that prioritises early detection, personalised treatment, and holistic support for every man affected. This reimagined approach goes beyond traditional treatment models and places a strong emphasis on empowering men to actively control their health journey and make informed decisions.

At the forefront of this approach is a collaborative effort by both public and private healthcare stakeholders to raise awareness about the early detection of prostate cancer. The prevalence of prostate cancer has been increasing in the region and is one of the most common cancers among men in the UAE. Some studies indicate that out of every 100,000 men, over 300 are affected, making it one of the top five cancers. Widespread awareness campaigns are educating men about these statistics and promoting the importance of regular screenings. This proactive approach ensures that prostate cancer is identified at its most treatable stage, significantly improving patient outcomes.

Dr. Deborah Mukherji, Medical Oncologist at Clemenceau Medical Center Dubai, emphasises the crucial role of collective awareness efforts: “Given the UAE’s young population, the prevalence of prostate cancer is lower than what we see in Europe and North America. Prostate cancer is most common above the age of 55. However, it is important for men from the age of 40 to get screened regularly if they have a family history of prostate cancer. Equally important is to educate men on the lifestyle aspects they should focus on to mitigate the risk of prostate and other cancers, such as maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol. This is the information we are trying to get out there to patients.”

Dr. Deborah Mukherji

Beyond raising awareness about early screening, healthcare authorities across the UAE are also collaborating to deliver a multidisciplinary approach to prostate cancer treatment. Collaborations between healthcare providers, public entities, and pharma companies are promoting comprehensive care that is tailored to each patient's unique needs. This approach ensures that individuals facing prostate cancer receive not only cutting-edge medical treatments, but also holistic support addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of their journey.

According to Dr. Deborah, these collaborations also help to advance medical research, clinical trials, and surgical and radiation treatments aimed at improving options for patients. “We are all working together to diagnose early tumours and maintain patient quality of life. Better treatments with fewer side effects are what we’re all working towards. Alongside this, we are also striving to understand what patients need, what information they’re looking for, and then delivering that information to them in their own language. It is especially important for us to work with the pharmaceutical industry in this regard,” she says.

Novartis, one of the leading pharmaceutical companies globally, has been a key partner to healthcare providers across the region in highlighting the importance of regular screening for prostate cancer. According to Mohamed Ezz Eldin, Head of Gulf Countries at Novartis, the company believes in the power of collaboration to transform the landscape of prostate cancer care. “By joining forces with healthcare providers, public entities, and other stakeholders, we aim to elevate the standards of early detection, treatment, and support for individuals facing prostate cancer in the UAE.”

“Our commitment goes beyond delivering innovative pharmaceutical solutions,” he added. “We actively engage in initiatives that prioritise patient education, raise awareness, and contribute to the advancement of research in the field. Together with our stakeholders, we aspire to create a future where individuals diagnosed with prostate cancer can navigate their journey with resilience, informed decision-making, and comprehensive support.”