Arabic translation of the Cancer Atlas unveiled at UICC General Assembly

First published in 2006, The Cancer Atlas by UICC, the American Cancer Society and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is a vital compendium of facts, figures and information about cancer for policymakers, advocates and the general public. 

The UICC member organisation and Vanguard partner Friends Of Cancer Patients (FoCP) in the UAE produced the Arabic translation of the third edition, which draws attention to inequalities in accessing quality cancer care, the risk factors driving cancer patients and the means of tackling the cancer burden through access to information and services. It serves to support the call for action on cancer in Universal Health Coverage at the international to the community levels, detailing strategies for cancer prevention and control.

“Our collaboration with the UICC to provide an Arabic version of The Cancer Atlas embodies the vision of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Founder and Royal Patron of FoCP, to support scientific research on cancer, raise awareness of the disease and provide access to the latest treatment for cancer patients around the world, particularly in low-income countries.”
– Her Excellency Sawsan Jafar, Chairperson of FoCP’s Board of Directors

The 3rd edition of The Cancer Atlas was launched at UICC’s 2019 World Cancer Leaders’ Summit in Kazakhstan last October. The Arabic translation was to be presented at the 2020 World Cancer Congress in Oman, which had to be called off due to the coronavirus pandemic. It was therefore presented on Tuesday 6th October by HRH Princess Dina Mired, President of UICC 2018-2020, at UICC’s virtual General Assembly.

"A big thank you to The Friends of Cancer Patients organisation, led by HRH Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammad Al Qasimi – a true NCD champion and a UICC international ambassador for childhood cancer. Thank you so much for your contribution to this important publication, making accessible to all the Arabic-speaking countries."
– HRH Princess Dina Mired of Jordan, President of UICC 2018-2020

This is the second collaboration between UICC and FOCP, who previously published together the Arabic translation of the 2nd edition of The Cancer Atlas, presented in 2016 at the 35th Sharjah International Book Fair.

The 3rd edition is structured in three main sections: Risk Factors, The Burden and Taking Action. There are dedicated chapters on the major cancer risk factors – tobacco use, excess body weight, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity and environmental or occupational exposures – and others on lung cancer, breast cancer, cancer in children, cancers due to infection and cancers in indigenous populations, as well as a section on regional diversity.  

“Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, and the cancer burden continues to grow. This all-new 3rd edition draws attention to not only the problems at hand but also solutions that cancer control advocates and educators can use in the fight against cancer locally and globally.”
– Ahmedin Jemal, Senior Vice President, Data Science, American Cancer Society, and the lead author of the book.

Additional translations

The Second Edition of The Cancer Atlas was translated into eight languages in addition to Arabic: Chinese, Farsi, French, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Turkish.

UICC welcomes any initiative by a member organisation to translate into their language, which would broaden the reach of The Cancer Atlas and better enable it to inspire all those who want to see improvements in cancer control worldwide.

Any interested member should contact UICC members and partners development team at map@uicc.org.