Synopsis
The WHO has warned that the South-East Asia region will experience an 85% rise in cancer cases and deaths by 2050, emphasizing the need for improved cancer control efforts.Key Takeaways
- 85% increase in cancer cases expected by 2050.
- 2.4 million new cases recorded in 2022.
- Significant progress in tobacco reduction.
- Six countries have national cancer control plans.
- Late diagnosis remains a major challenge.
New Delhi, Feb 3 (NationPress) The World Health Organization (WHO) has projected an astounding 85 percent increase in the incidence of new cancer cases and related deaths in the South-East Asia region by the year 2050, as stated on Monday, just prior to World Cancer Day. Each year, the 4th of February is observed as World Cancer Day.
“The theme for this year, United by Unique, serves as a poignant reminder of our united commitment against cancer,” remarked Saima Wazed, Regional Director for WHO South-East Asia.
“WHO recognizes the unique experiences of each patient and emphasizes the importance of people-centered care provided collaboratively by healthcare professionals, families, friends, and the community,” she further elaborated.
In 2022, the WHO South-East Asia Region recorded 2.4 million new cancer cases, which included 56,000 children, and witnessed 1.5 million deaths.
“Among all WHO regions, ours has reported the highest incidence of cancers affecting the lips and oral cavity, uterine cervix, and childhood cancers. By 2050, it is anticipated that this region will experience an 85 percent increase in both new cases and deaths,” Wazed noted.
She also highlighted the advancements made by various countries in the region over the past few years, including a decline in tobacco consumption.
“Our region has recorded the fastest decrease in tobacco use, which is a significant risk factor for many high-burden cancers,” Wazed stated.
Six countries have established dedicated national cancer control plans, while two have integrated cancer into their national non-communicable disease (NCD) strategies to effectively steer cancer prevention and control measures.
Additionally, eight nations have rolled out nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programs.
The Regional Director mentioned that ten countries are engaging in global initiatives to tackle childhood cancer, and seven have operational population-based cancer registries. In ten countries, advanced cancer care is available, catering to 50 percent or more of the patients in need.
Nevertheless, challenges persist, including fragmented responses to cancer control efforts. National cancer control programs are often not fully aligned with evidence-based practices, leading to ineffective execution.
There is a notable absence of policies and guidance on the management of cancer-causing agents prevalent in the region, such as areca nut.
The existing cancer prevention policies and initiatives are not entirely enforced, resulting in millions of avoidable cases, Wazed warned. The late diagnosis and insufficient national capacities to handle the rising cancer burden further complicate cancer control efforts.
