Eyes on Early Detection

How Fujifilm’s AI-Powered Endoscopy is Transforming the Fight Against Colon Cancer in the UAE and the Region.

A Silent Threat with Growing Impact

Colon cancer is a critical health concern in the MENA region. In the UAE, it is the leading cancer among Emirati men and the third most common among women. Each year, about 200 new cases are reported nationwide, yet it remains a top cause of cancer-related deaths. Tragically, the disease develops silently, and by the time symptoms like bleeding or pain appear, more aggressive treatment may be required. One survey revealed that 63 per cent of participants saw no need for screening as they felt healthy; however, approximately two-thirds of colorectal cancer cases in the UAE are detected at later stages, making treatment outcomes less favourable. Nonetheless, when discovered early, colon cancer can have cure rates of up to 90 per cent.

Endoscopy Enters the AI Era

To enhance early detection, the UAE’s medical community is embracing sophisticated AI-enabled endoscopy systems analyse real-time video during a colonoscopy, highlighting polyps or lesions that might otherwise be overlooked. Multiple hospitals and healthcare facilities have installed AI modules that have boosted polyp detection, helping reduce mortality rates through earlier diagnoses.

Michio Kondo
MD of FujiFilm Middle East and Africa

Fujifilm’s Vision: Smarter Endoscopy for Better Outcomes

At the forefront of these innovations is Fujifilm, a global leader in healthcare solutions. The company’s AIpowered CAD EYE system uses deep learning algorithms to detect and characterize polyps in real time. Furthermore, it has also introduced SCALE EYE, a measurement function designed to support endoscopists in estimating lesion sizes in the colon. By integrating advanced imaging and analytics, CAD EYE and SCALE EYE minimize the risk of missing potentially dangerous growths, thereby strengthening early detection and prevention efforts.

Commenting on the new technology, Michio Kondo, MD of FujiFilm Middle East and Africa told HEALTH, “Our innovative endoscopy solutions underscore Fujifilm’s mission to provide bestin-class healthcare technologies to the UAE and beyond. The company’s UAE Technology Centre, established in 2020, serves as a hub for HCPs to gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools like CAD EYE. This collaborative approach aligns seamlessly with the UAE’s broader healthcare strategies, including the “We the UAE 2031” vision that emphasizes preventive care and early detection.”

Fujifilm’s Endoscopy Innovation in the Region

Fujifilm is not new to the Middle East’s healthcare landscape. Over the past decade, the company has cultivated strong partnerships with both public and private hospitals, delivering a range of imaging technologies beyond endoscopy, from digital radiography to ultrasound. By working closely with local clinicians and administrators, Fujifilm tailors its solutions to address the specific needs of UAE patients and healthcare providers. This adaptability has accelerated the acceptance of advanced diagnostics, helping position the UAE as a regional leader in medical innovation.

Beyond its AI-driven endoscopy systems, Fujifilm holds specialized imaging solutions and nextgeneration endoscopes. By refining visualization technologies, doctors can identify subtle tissue irregularities sooner, increasing the likelihood of effective treatment. The company’s ongoing research and development also offers promise for streamlining procedures, helping reduce patient discomfort while maintaining top-quality diagnostics.

With a wide-ranging portfolio that ranges from medical imaging to minimally invasive surgery, Fujifilm is not just keeping pace with the future of medicine, it is helping define it. The company’s cloud-based, AI-enabled Synapse® Enterprise Imaging system breaks down silos in patient care by giving clinicians streamlined access to comprehensive imaging data across departments. Meanwhile, the AI platform, REiLI®, brings together decades of imaging expertise with forward-looking technology, aiming to boost diagnostic confidence while easing the burden on overworked medical professionals. From advanced MRI and ultrasound systems to cutting-edge in-vitro diagnostics for liver surveillance and lab testing, Fujifilm’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible is reshaping how we detect, diagnose, and treat diseases.

The Power of Screening and Endoscopy

Screening is the most effective way to prevent colorectal cancer and improve survival. In the UAE, health authorities recommend beginning screening at age 40, earlier than in many Western countries, due to a younger average onset. For average-risk individuals over 40, many physicians advise a colonoscopy every ten years or an annual faecal immunochemical test (FIT).

A colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for detection, allowing doctors not only to identify but also remove precancerous polyps in a single session. As physicians explain, removing these growths before they turn cancerous significantly reduces the likelihood of later-stage disease. Yet a study shows only 9% of adults over 40 in the UAE follow recommended screenings, often due to fear of discomfort or cultural stigma.

Breaking Barriers with Innovative Screening

To encourage participation, UAE health leaders are rolling out more patient-friendly options. In Abu Dhabi, for instance, officials recently introduced a non-invasive “liquid biopsy” blood test that detects signs of colon cancer without relying on stool samples or invasive procedures. While offering a simpler path to detection, any risk flagged by this test requires a follow-up colonoscopy for confirmation and possible polyp removal.

A Healthier Future Through Early Detection

Looking ahead, the UAE’s colon cancer strategy centres on increasing screening rates and leveraging AI to catch more earlystage tumours. Higher public awareness and state-of-the art diagnostic tools can substantially lower mortality from the disease. For patients, the message is clear: colon cancer is often preventable through timely screenings and removing polyps before they turn malignant. For HCPs, AI-assisted endoscopy means fewer suspicious lesions go undetected.

Thanks to robust government backing and companies like Fujifilm Healthcare Solutions championing new technologies, the UAE is on the right track to significantly reduce colon cancer risks. As more residents embrace regular screenings and medical professionals adopt AIenhanced endoscopy, fewer families will face late-stage diagnoses. Indeed, a future shaped by proactive, lifesaving interventions and advanced care is within reach for communities across the Emirates.