Cancer in the Southern Region of Saudi Arabia: Insights from two decades of data

Background Cancer is a leading cause of mortality worldwide, with its burden expected to grow significantly in the coming decades due to demographic transition. This study explores the epidemiological trends of cancer in the Southern Region of Saudi Arabia over two decades (1999–2020) and assesses the region's healthcare capacity to address these trends. Methods Data on the number of cases and age-standardized incidence rates (ASR) for common cancers in the four Southern regions: Asir, Jazan, Najran, and Baha, were extracted from the Saudi Cancer Registry (SCR) annual incidence reports. Geographic and temporal trends in number of cases, ASR and relative frequency were examined across the four regions. Population demographics, healthcare infrastructure, and manpower data were integrated to contextualize findings. Results Cancer incidence in the Southern Region more than doubled from 689 cases in 1999/2000 to 1,594 cases in 2020. Asir consistently reported the highest incidence, accounting for over 50% of the region's cases, while Baha had the lowest. Breast and colorectal cancers were the most common among females and males, respectively. ASRs for several cancers, including Hodgkin lymphoma, thyroid cancer, and leukemia, showed dramatic increases, particularly in Najran. Conclusion The study highlights a rising cancer burden in the Southern Region of Saudi Arabia, driven by demographic transitions. Targeted investments in oncology capacity, including trained personnel and advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities, are essential to mitigate future challenges. These findings provide crucial insights for policymakers in aligning regional healthcare strategies with Vision 2030 goals.