Trends and Gaps in Colorectal Cancer Screening Research in the Arab World: A 16-Year Bibliometric Analysis (2007–2023)

Noura Abbas, Laudy Chehade, Hawraa Tarhini, Zahi Abdul Sater and Ali Shamseddine ()
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Noura Abbas: Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
Laudy Chehade: Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
Hawraa Tarhini: Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
Zahi Abdul Sater: College of Public Health, Phoenicia University, Mazraat El Daoudiyeh 1600, Lebanon
Ali Shamseddine: Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 2, 1-15

Abstract: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant public health concern, ranking third in incidence and second in mortality worldwide. Despite rising CRC incidence rates in the Arab world, understanding of trends and patterns in CRC screening research remains limited. This study addresses this gap through a bibliometric analysis of CRC screening research in the Arab world from 2007 to 2023. We conducted an extensive literature search in Web of Science and Scopus databases, analyzing 124 articles using the Bibliometrix Package in R. Our findings revealed a 16.5% annual growth in research output, with significant increases from 2014 onwards. Saudi Arabia led in scientific production, followed by Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt, while Qatar had the highest country production when adjusted for population size. Disparities in research output relative to the CRC burden were evident, especially in lower-resource countries. Three regional clusters were identified: Saudi Arabia, with strong collaborations with Canada and Egypt; a second cluster including Lebanon, UAE, Jordan, Qatar, Iraq, and Oman; and a third cluster featuring Morocco, with significant collaboration with France. Thematic analysis showed a focus on CRC screening awareness, barriers, and adherence but a lack of studies on implementation strategies and cost-effectiveness. This analysis highlights significant trends and gaps in CRC screening research in the Arab world, underscoring the need for increased investment in CRC research and screening initiatives to improve outcomes in the region.

Keywords: colorectal cancer; screening; bibliometric; Arab world; colonoscopy; awareness; research gaps; country production; implementation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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