Health Minister Abdullah Nazim Ibrahim said on Monday that while cancer is one of the most common and concerning diseases in the Maldives, its exact cause remains unknown.
His remarks came after concerns were raised about a rise in cancer cases reported from some islands last year. A resident of the small agricultural island of Baa Goidhoo recently asked the government to inspect the use of pesticides in local farmlands, citing fears of health risks.
A farm at B. Goidhoo: The island is known for its local farming. (Facebook Photo/Green Isles)
Responding to a journalist’s question at a press conference about what causes cancer, Nazim said the disease has multiple contributing factors, but no single definitive cause has been identified.
He noted that some cancers are linked to lifestyle factors, while others are hereditary.
“However, what is known is that for some cases, the cause remains unidentified. I don’t know what else to tell you,” Nazim said.
Nazim added that the government’s health policy focuses on encouraging early screening and improving access to testing in rural areas. Cancer treatment services are also being expanded across the country, he said.
The minister highlighted tobacco use as one of the most common and well‑established causes of cancer, adding that the government’s measures to curb tobacco consumption are expected to bring positive outcomes.
Farming plots of AA. Thoddoo --
Cancer has claimed many lives in recent years, drawing increased public attention to the issue.
Fruits and vegetables grown in Maldivian farmlands often rely on imported agricultural chemicals, and some substances found in these products can be carcinogenic.
Beyond the country’s high tobacco use, public health experts have also highlighted concerns about dietary patterns. Maldives relies heavily on imported food, while local farming often depends on chemical fertilizers. At the same time, the growing popularity of global food trends has increased the consumption of ultra‑processed products in recent years.