KUWAIT: The hereditary cancer rate in Kuwait is estimated at 10 percent, which aligns with global figures, said General Clinical Genetics and Cancer Diseases Consultant at Kuwait Cancer Control Center Dr Shaker Bahzad.

He added that most cancer cases are not genetically related, explaining that when we talk about genetics, we refer to individuals inheriting certain genes from their parents that increase their susceptibility to specific types of cancer.

“The early identification of these genes allows for early diagnosis, leading to prevention and treatment before cancer actually develops. We monitor cases annually, and if any changes occur, we intervene immediately,” he said.

His comments were made during the Clinical Genomics Day Conference, which saw strong participation from doctors across both public and private sectors. The conference focused on various topics related to managing cancer patients after determining their specific cancer type.

“In the past, medications were tailored to the type of cancer, but now we analyze the tumor’s genes to more accurately determine which treatments will be most effective.” This approach has improved patient response rates. As a result, the practice of administering the same medication to patients with breast cancer without specifically analyzing the tumor has become something of the past.

Dr Bahzad highlighted that the most common cancers associated with genetics include breast, colon, ovarian, and uterine cancers, along with others like kidney cancer. He also mentioned less common hereditary cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and brain tumors. He noted that treatments for all these cancer types are available in Kuwait.

Preventing genetic diseases

Head of the genetics examinations at Ghanima Al-Ghanim Center Dr Mohammad Al-Ali said the Genomics Day conference discussed the latest developments in the field of genetic medicine. He pointed out that medical genetics in Kuwait has significantly progressed, moving from diagnostics to providing appropriate treatments to prevent hereditary diseases.

Dr Bahzad explained that pre-marital testing helps identify individuals who carry certain genetic disorders, allowing for preventive measures before these diseases manifest. He said medicine is continuously evolving, and research into stem cells is ongoing.

Pre-implantation embryo screening, for example, has significantly reduced the rate of hereditary diseases in Kuwait, said Dr Al-Ali, and has increased the success rate of in vitro fertilization from 32 percent to 78 percent. Cases of spinal myasthenia gravis, a condition characterized by muscle weakness and fatigue, have decreased from six cases per year to just one or two.

He said the achievement is crucial for the country, given the high costs associated with treating hereditary diseases. Kuwait has successfully advanced its healthcare system, positioning itself among the leading countries in the field of genetic medicine.