UAE Moves Towards Nationwide Mandatory Early Cancer Screening, Says Minister

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)

The UAE is moving towards expanding mandatory early cancer screening nationwide, with federal health authorities working to link preventive tests to health insurance requirements, the Minister of Health and Prevention Ahmed Al Sayegh told the Federal National Council (FNC) on Wednesday.

Responding to a question by FNC member Naama Al Sharhan, Al Sayegh said early detection remains one of the most effective tools for improving survival rates and reducing the long-term health and economic burden of cancer, particularly amid rising global incidence. He highlighted Abu Dhabi's 'Ifhas' programme as a leading model, describing it as a comprehensive, insurance-linked screening scheme that targets citizens from the age of 18 and is conducted every two to three years, or earlier depending on individual medical risk.

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The programme includes early screening for several common cancers, including breast, colorectal, cervical and lung cancer, alongside a broader package of preventive tests covering chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and hypertension.

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Federal expansion underway

Al Sayegh said work is underway to expand and standardise preventive screening at the federal level, with plans to activate mandatory participation in the future by linking screening programmes to health insurance requirements. This approach, he said, would ensure access to essential tests without additional financial burden, strengthening health equity and ensuring fair access to preventive care across all segments of society.

Facilities under the Emirates Health Services currently offer the 'Itmi'nan' programme, a periodic screening initiative for non-communicable and chronic diseases-including some cancers - which is being integrated into routine healthcare pathways, with future plans to enhance its scope and coverage.

Advanced diagnostics and AI

The minister also pointed to the UAE's growing use of advanced diagnostic technologies, including liquid biopsies, genetic testing, modern laboratory diagnostics and AI-supported medical imaging, to improve accuracy and speed of diagnosis and enable earlier clinical intervention. He said these tools allow healthcare providers to move towards risk-based, personalised screening, rather than relying solely on age-based testing models.

Genome programme, personalised prevention

Looking ahead, Al Sayegh highlighted the role of the National Genome Programme, which he said will support preventive healthcare by enabling medical teams to identify genetic risk factors that may require early monitoring or intervention. This data-driven approach, he said, reflects a broader national direction towards evidence-based, proactive healthcare, supported by science and technology.

Member calls for stronger uptake

Al Sharhan welcomed the existing efforts, noting that early detection not only improves treatment outcomes but also reduces the emotional and financial toll on families. She stressed the importance of increasing participation rates and closing existing gaps, particularly for cancers with high mortality rates.

The minister reaffirmed that the UAE will continue refining its preventive health strategy in coordination with federal and local partners, with the goal of protecting public health and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the healthcare system in line with international best practices.

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