Cancer rates in Kuwait are "alarming," says health official

KUWAIT, April 24 (KUNA) -- The rates of cancer and other chronic non-communicable diseases in Kuwait are at an "alarming" level, a health ministry official said on Wednesday.
The ministry is currently involved in the creation of a national database, which identifies domestic cancer figures, and plans to continue conducting a national survey of the disease's rates in the country, added the official.
The ministry is enlisting the help of global organisations in order to carry out these endeavours, undersecretary for private sector affairs Mohammad Al-Khashti told a cancer conference attended by several international experts.
Cancer along with other non-communicable diseases like heart disease, diabetes and respiratory ailments represent priorities for the country, he said.
Therefore, Al-Khashti said recommendations resulting from the conference will be taken into consideration. (end) ntq.sd