Global warming could be driving up women's cancer risk, find researchers

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May 27, 2025, 4:00 AM

• •Scientists found that global warming in the Middle East and North Africa is making breast, ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers more common and more deadly.
• •The prevalence of the different cancers rose by 173 to 280 cases per 100,000 people for every additional degree Celsius: ovarian cancer cases rose the most and breast cancer cases the least.
• •Mortality rose by 171 to 332 deaths per 100,000 people for each degree of temperature rise, with the greatest rise in ovarian cancer and the smallest in cervical cancer.

A recent study published in Frontiers in Public Health indicates a concerning link between rising temperatures and increased cancer rates among women in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The research reveals a statistically significant rise in the prevalence and mortality of breast, ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers. The study found that for every degree Celsius increase, cancer prevalence and deaths rose, particularly affecting ovarian cancer. The findings highlight the need for strengthened cancer screening programs and climate-resilient health systems to mitigate the growing cancer burden linked to climate change.

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