Survey shows that only a tiny fraction of expats take any stress management measures
More than half the expat population in the UAE believes that stress causes cancer but only a tiny fraction takes any stress management measures.
These findings are a part of a cancer awareness survey made by The Medical City (TMC), the Philippines’ largest healthcare network that partnered with Kuwait’s SAMA Medical Services.
A major misconception, revealed the survey, is that almost every other resident believes that genes are the biggest risk factor in cancer. However, the American Cancer Society says that “only about five to ten per cent of all cancers result directly from gene defects (called mutations) inherited from a parent.”
According to the survey, 52 per cent of the 1,000 respondents believe that stress causes cancer; 46 per cent believe that faulty genes post the biggest risk; and 68 per cent believe that cancer can be prevented.
While respondents think that cancer can be prevented, the large majority of them neglect good lifestyle choices. The study found that very few cultivate the habits that can actually bring down the risk of cancer, despite two of the biggest risk factors for cancer being exposure to a toxic environment and poor lifestyle choices.
The study showed that only three per cent of people take any steps for proper stress management, and few people make it a point to relax, meditate, stay positive and get enough sleep.
“It is important to embrace preventive, promotive, proactive and diagnostic interventions to address a number of lifestyle diseases, especially cancer,” said Dr Rebecca Desiderio, chief executive officer of The Medical City in Dubai.
As a cancer prevention strategy, only 21 per cent of UAE expats engage in physical activities, 17 per cent stay away from junk food, processed food, and nine per cent get a minimum of eight hours of sleep.
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