World Health Organization data claims that 40 persons worldwide receive a cancer diagnosis every minute. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, revealed this in a post on his X handle on Tuesday in honor of World Cancer Day.
40 people worldwide receive a cancer diagnosis every minute, and they set out to conquer it.
We honor the bravery of those impacted, commemorate scientific advancements in cancer therapy, and reaffirm our dedication to #HealthForAll on #WorldCancerDay,” Ghebreyesus said.
Every year on February 4, the world observes World Cancer Day to raise awareness of the disease’s fight.
The topic for this year, “United by Unique,” emphasized the value of teamwork and individualized cancer care.
WHO report states that the cancer epidemic in Africa is still getting worse, with over 900,000 new cases and over 580,000 fatalities reported in 2022 alone.
“Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer, but cervical cancer continues to be the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in the region, accounting for over 22% of all cancer deaths,” the health agency said. Prostate cancer is the most prevalent and is on the rise among men.
“Without urgent action, cancer deaths in Africa could increase by over 70% by 2040,” the WHO added.
WHO called on member nations to improve their health systems so that everyone could afford cancer care.
“We call on Member States, civil society, and partners to take immediate action,” the WHO stated. It is critical to improve access to diagnosis and treatment for liver and colorectal cancers, increase early detection for breast and prostate cancers, and expand HPV DNA testing for cervical cancer.
Additionally, we must invest in education campaigns to lower stigma, support HPV vaccination, and encourage early diagnosis, as well as fortify health systems to guarantee accessible, high-quality cancer care.
The formulation of policies and lobbying is greatly aided by cancer survivors and their families. Their personal experiences provide insightful information that can influence patient-centered healthcare systems.
“To implement sustainable and affordable solutions, I urge leaders throughout the region to embrace WHO’s evidence-based tools, such as the updated “Best Buys” for noncommunicable illnesses.
Closing the gaps in care will require integrating palliative care, cancer screening, treatment, and prevention into larger health services. Everybody has a part to play. By working together, we can build a future in which everyone has access to cancer care and nobody is left behind.