Merck Introduces Educational Symptom Checker To Support Earlier Detection Of Colorectal Cancer Across The Gulf

RunWithRugs · 2026-03-08T09:57:43+00:00

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant health concern across the Gulf region, with high prevalence rates in the UAE, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain. Early detection through regular screening is crucial, particularly for individuals aged 50 and above.

RunWithRugs

2026-03-08 09:57:43

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MENAFN

Colorectal Cancer in the Gulf: Regional Snapshot
United Arab Emirates
CRC is among the most common cancers in the UAE where 41% of diagnosed cases are among individuals under the age of 40.
Oman
CRC is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers among men and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality overall.
Kuwait
CRC is the second most common cancer after breast cancer. Data from the Kuwait Cancer Registry shows that between January 2010 and December 2019, there were 2,710 cases of CRC, accounting for approximately 10.2% of all cancer cases in the country.
Qatar
According to data from the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), in 2022 CRC was the second most commonly diagnosed cancer (11.1%) among men and the third most commonly diagnosed cancer (9.5%) among women.
Bahrain
World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) estimates show that in 2022 CRC emerged as the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men in the Kingdom of Bahrain, with an incidence rate of 14.8%.

Regular screening remains one of the most effective methods of early detection. Adults aged 50 and above are at increased risk, and routine screening can identify precancerous changes before cancer develops.

About Merck:

Merck, a leading science and technology company, operates across life science, healthcare and electronics. More than 62,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people’s lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From providing products and services that accelerate drug development and manufacturing as well as discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices – the company is everywhere. In 2024, Merck generated sales of € 21.2 billion in 65 countries.

Scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to Merck’s technological and scientific advances. This is how Merck has thrived since its founding in 1668. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company. Merck holds the global rights to the Merck name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the business sectors of Merck operate as MilliporeSigma in life science, EMD Serono in healthcare, and EMD Electronics in electronics.

All Merck press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck website. Please go to to register online, change your selection or discontinue this service.

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