8.2 million people die from cancer each year around the world.

It is estimated that cancer kills 272,000 people each year in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

40% of cancers could be avoided (prevention), 40% could be cured (if detected early) and the rest should be managed with palliation.

The curability of cancer is directly related to its stage at the time of diagnosis, and in the majority of countries of the region, cancer is generally diagnosed when at a relatively advanced stage.

Prevention offers the greatest public health potential and the most cost-effective long-term approach for cancer control.