Archive · 29 May 2025
Study Links Rising Temperatures to Increased Cancer Rates in Women
Scientists have found a link between warmer temperatures and more cases of cancer in women.
They looked at data from the Middle East and North Africa and saw that as the weather got hotter, more women were getting and dying from certain cancers like breast, ovarian, and cervical cancer.
For every bit the temperature went up, more women got cancer.
This might be because heat makes it easier for women to be exposed to things that can cause cancer, and harder to get early treatment.
They're worried this will get worse as the world gets hotter.
Study links rising temperatures to increased cancer prevalence and deaths in women.
Researchers analyzed cancer prevalence and deaths with temperatures from 1998-2019 in the Middle East and North Africa.
Increased ambient temperature correlates with higher rates of breast, ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers.
For every degree Celsius increase, cancer prevalence rose by 173-280 cases per 100,000 people.
Death rates increased by 171-332 per 100,000 people with each degree of temperature rise.
- Who
- Researchers from The American University in Cairo, Egypt conducted the study.
- What
- A study found a correlation between global warming and increased cancer prevalence and deaths among women. The study looked at breast, ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers.
- When
- The study analyzed data between 1998 and 2019.
- Where
- The study was conducted in the Middle East and North Africa.
- Why
- Increased ambient temperature is correlated to a rise in cancer cases. Studies suggest that rising temperatures, compromised food and water security, and poor air quality increase the risk of disease and death worldwide. The study suggests that the higher number of cases is a driving factor due to the exposure of risk factors.
- Affected Cancers
- Breast, ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers
- Study Period
- 1998-2019
- Study Region
- The Middle East and North Africa
- Prevalence increase per degree Celsius
- 173-280 cases per 100,000 people
- Death rate increase per degree Celsius
- 171-332 per 100,000 people