UAE Becomes First Nation to Adopt Blood Test Detecting 70+ Cancers

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The United Arab Emirates has become the first country to adopt a revolutionary non-invasive blood test capable of detecting over 70 types of cancer before symptoms manifest. Introduced by Burjeel Hospitals, the test is specifically designed for asymptomatic individuals over the age of 40, offering a simplified alternative to traditional, often invasive procedures like colonoscopies or mammograms. 

According to Prof. Humaid Al Shamsi, CEO of Burjeel Cancer Institute and Adjunct Professor at Harvard Medical School, the initiative aims to overcome widespread public hesitation toward screening; research suggests nearly 60% of people avoid early detection due to fear of the results or the discomfort of traditional medical exams. This ‘liquid biopsy’ requires no fasting or special preparation and can identify ‘silent’ malignancies, such as pancreatic, gastric, and brain cancers, that currently lack routine screening options.

The technology boasts an impressive accuracy rate of 95% to 98%, though experts emphasise it is intended to complement, rather than replace, existing diagnostic tools. While the test currently excludes blood cancers like leukaemia and carries a price point between Dh7,000 and Dh8,000, it is being hailed as a cost-effective long-term strategy for reducing the prevalence of late-stage diagnoses. 

The Abu Dhabi Department of Health has already begun rolling out the service to Emirati citizens over 40, positioning the UAE at the forefront of a global shift toward proactive oncology. By identifying cancers at stage one or two rather than after symptoms appear, health officials hope to significantly increase cure rates and transform the landscape of preventive medicine in the region.