KUWAIT CITY, Oct 5: Dr. Shakir Bahzad, a Consultant of General Clinical Genetics and Cancer Diseases at the Kuwait Cancer Control Center, stated today, Saturday, that hereditary cancer in Kuwait is estimated to affect approximately 10% of the population, which aligns with global rates. In a press statement following the opening of the "Genome Day" conference, which saw participation from numerous doctors across public and private sectors, Behzad discussed various topics related to the management of cancer patients after identifying the type of cancer they have.

He explained that most cancer cases are not hereditary, noting that heredity involves inheriting specific genes from parents that increase susceptibility to certain cancers. The discovery of these genes has facilitated early diagnosis, enabling preventive measures and treatments before cancer manifests, as well as annual follow-ups for these individuals, allowing for immediate intervention if any changes occur.

Bahzad highlighted the advancements in cancer treatment, stating, “In the past, medications were directed at a specific type of cancer in general, but today we analyze the tumor’s genes to determine the most effective medications for that type, which enhances the treatment response rate among patients. Treating all breast cancer patients with the same approach is now a thing of the past.”

He identified breast, colon, ovarian, and uterine cancers as the most common types, alongside less prevalent hereditary cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and brain cancer, and noted that treatments for all these types are available in Kuwait. Behzad mentioned that premarital screening can identify carriers of certain genetic diseases, allowing for the prevention of these conditions before they arise. He also pointed out ongoing research and the continuous advancements in medicine, particularly regarding stem cell research, which is still in the exploratory phase.

Dr. Muhammad Al-Ali, the Head of the Genetic Testing Department at the Ghanima Al-Ghanim Center, remarked that the conference covered the latest advancements in genetic medicine, highlighting significant progress in Kuwait in medical genetics—from testing and diagnosis to the introduction of appropriate treatments for genetic diseases. He noted that the implementation of pre-implantation embryo testing has led to a reduction in genetic diseases in Kuwait, raising the success rate of IVF treatments from 32% to 76%.

Al-Ali added that the incidence of myasthenia gravis, known for having one of the highest treatment costs globally, has declined in Kuwait from six cases annually to one or two, nearing extinction. He regarded this as a major achievement, considering the high costs associated with treating genetic diseases, and emphasized that Kuwait has successfully enhanced its healthcare system, positioning itself among advanced countries in the field of genetic medicine. This has made Kuwait a destination for doctors worldwide seeking to share expertise and knowledge.

The conference was organized by Badr Sultan and Thermo Fisher Scientific in collaboration with the Kuwait Cancer Control Center and the Ghanima Al-Ghanim Center for Genetic Diseases.