Cancer

Noncommunicable diseases | Main NCDs | Cancer

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Cancer

What is cancer?

Cancer is one of the four major types of noncommunicable diseases (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory diseases). Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells, which can invade and spread to distant sites of the body. There are over 100 types of cancer, affecting different parts of the body, and they can be either benign or malignant. A benign tumor does not invade surrounding tissue and is usually not harmful. Malignant tumors can invade nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body.

What are the causes of cancer?

There are multiple causes of cancer, including ageing, environment, lifestyle risk factors and genetics. More than 30% of cancer could be prevented by modifying or avoiding key risk factors. The main preventable risk factors for cancer are: tobacco use; being overweight or obese; unhealthy diet; and a lack of physical activity.

What is the regional burden?

In 2012, there were 550 000 new cases of cancer and 370 000 deaths. Of all six WHO regions, the Eastern Mediterranean is expected to have the highest increase in cancer incidence over the next 15 years. The most common cancers affecting men are lung and bladder, and for women, breast and colorectal. Most cancer patients in the region seek treatment at an advanced stage, when a cure is improbable, even with the best treatments.

What actions are needed to control cancer?

Early detection, accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, including pain relief and palliative care, help increase cancer survival rates and reduce suffering. Countries can prevent cancer through: implementing tobacco control policies, promoting healthy diet and physical activity, and vaccinating against human papilloma virus and hepatitis B virus. Comprehensive cancer control plans are needed to improve cancer prevention and care, especially in low-income and middle-income countries.