Download Regional Strategy for Cancer prevention and control

Regional Strategy for Cancer prevention and control
Dr. Ibtihal Fadhil/ RA/ NCD/ WHO/ EMRO
Today cancer represents a global health problem and leading threat to health. Worldwide cancer
kills 15.7% of population. Unless addressed, the mortality and cancer
burden of cancer is
projected to reach 2 million new cancer cases in the year 2030 and 17 million deaths. This
increase will mainly be due to steadily aging population in both developed and developing
countries, to current trends in smoking prevalence and the growing adoption of unhealthy
lifestyle.
Approximately 40% of cancers are potentially preventable and we have many proven cost
effective strategies to prevent the burden of cancer.
At the regional level, cancer is the fourth leading cause of death in the Eastern Mediterranean
Region and it is incidence is increasing rapidly. It is estimated that cancer kills 272000 people
each year in the Region more than HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria combined.
At present, resources for cancer control in the Region as a whole are not only inadequate but
directed almost exclusively to treatment. This approach is suboptimal because full advantage is
not taken of the impact of preventive measures on incidence, while the lack of approaches to
earlier diagnosis reduces the value of therapy. Furthermore, in majority of countries, cancer is
generally diagnosed at a relatively advanced stage when cure is improbable, even with the best
treatments.
Working closely with Member States, WHO has, therefore, developed Regional strategy on
cancer prevention and control aims at minimizing the growing impact of cancer in the Region
over the coming period (2009-2013). The Regional strategy and the resolutions adopted at the
Regional committee meeting October 2009, intended to provide a foundation for the
development of a comprehensive coordinated national approach to cancer control that is
resources oriented.
Furthermore a framework for country action has been developed to support countries in adapting
the Regional strategy according to their cancer national priorities and available resources.
The framework comprising seven approaches and strategic actions providing technical guidance
and support in developing National work plans and facilitate implementations.
My presentation will focus on the key feature of the Regional Strategy and recommended Action
for Member States