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What actions are needed to control cancer?
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.
What is the regional burden?
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 are the causes of cancer?
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.
