Dr Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge, WHO South-East Asia
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death globally and continues to cause immense suffering for individuals and families. In the WHO South-East Asia Region, 2022 alone recorded an estimated 1.9 million new cancer cases and 1.3 million deaths, including over 56 000 cases among children. Despite advances in science and care, the burden continues to rise, and the number of new cases and deaths is projected to almost double by 2050.
This year, the theme of World Cancer Day—United by Unique—reminds us that while cancer is a global threat, each country, each community, and each person affected by cancer faces distinct realities. Effective responses must therefore be shaped collectively and implemented locally.
Guided by the WHO South-East Asia Regional Strategy for comprehensive cancer prevention and management 2024–2030, WHO is supporting countries to develop national cancer control plans, strengthen cancer registries, improve the quality of early diagnosis and treatment, and expand access to palliative care.
Collaboration remains key. In partnership with the International Atomic Energy Agency and the International Agency for Research on Cancer, WHO is supporting Member States with baseline situation analysis and recommendations to guide cancer control planning and investments. Further, platforms such as the South-East Asia Regional Childhood Cancer Network (SEAR-CCN) and South-East Asia Cancer Grid (SEACanGrid) are strengthening institutional collaboration across countries. SEACanGrid also supports the adaptation of evidence to the local contexts of countries in the Region.
Across the Region, countries are demonstrating innovation and leadership. Thailand’s Cancer Anywhere initiative enables people with cancer to access treatment at any public hospital nationwide. India is expanding its network of day-care chemotherapy centres in district hospitals, while Bhutan’s population-based cancer registry provides data from the entire country to inform targeted prevention programmes and strengthen care outcomes and survival.
Under the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer, Myanmar has improved access to treatment through a satellite centre network, Nepal has introduced free childhood cancer treatment, and Sri Lanka has developed a standalone national policy for childhood cancer.
Yet major challenges remain. The South-East Asia Region’s overall mortality-to-incidence ratio is nearly double that of high-income countries, and three times higher for childhood cancer. Not all countries have developed national cancer control plans, screening coverage for specific cancers is below recommended levels, and access to diagnosis and management services remains uneven, both across and within countries.
Achieving substantial and persistent progress will require continued political commitment and long-term investment. To accelerate action, governments, partners, and civil society are urged to:
- Increase predictable and sustainable investment in cancer control.
- Strengthen early diagnosis and ensure affordable treatment for priority cancers such as childhood, breast, cervical and oral cancers
- Expand partnerships and further leverage platforms such as SEACanGrid to build capacity and improve quality of care
- Promote equitable access to essential cancer services.
On World Cancer Day, we reaffirm our commitment to a people-centred approach, placing individuals, families, and communities at the heart of our efforts. United by Unique, we can change the course of cancer in the Region and build a healthier and more equitable future, free from avoidable suffering.