ANKARA, Feb 4 — The world will see a 60 per cent increase in cancer cases over the next two decades if current trends continue, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned.
“The greatest increase (an estimated 81 per cent) in new cases will occur in low- and middle-income countries where survival rates are currently the lowest,” Anadolu Agency quoted the WHO as saying in a statement on Tuesday, marking the annual World Cancer Day.
In 2019, more than 90 per cent of high-income countries reported that comprehensive treatment services for cancer were available in the public health system compared to less than 15 per cent of low-income countries, it added.
“At least 7 million lives could be saved over the next decade by identifying the most appropriate science for each country situation, by basing strong cancer responses on universal health coverage, and by mobilising different stakeholders to work together,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the WHO, was quoted as saying.
The UN health agency highlighted a range of proven interventions to prevent new cancer cases including controlling tobacco use, which is responsible for 25 per cent of cancer deaths, vaccinating against Hepatitis B to prevent liver cancer, eliminating cervical cancer by vaccinating against HPV, screening and treatment.
However, health services in low- and middle-income countries are not equipped to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, according to the WHO.
These countries, it said, focus their limited resources on fighting infectious diseases and improving maternal and child health instead of fighting cancer.
“This is a wake-up call to all of us to tackle the unacceptable inequalities between cancer services in rich and poor countries,” said Dr. Ren Minghui, an assistant director-general at WHO.
World Cancer Day, observed annually on Feb 4, aims to raise awareness of the deadly disease and encourage its prevention, detection and treatment.
Every year, the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) along with other organisations launch campaigns to increase public awareness about cancer and provide information on ways of reducing the risk of developing it.
— Bernama
