Cancer is a major cause of illness and death across the world. In 2018, 18.1 million cases of cancer were diagnosed. Cancer killed more than 9.6 million people. Between 30-50% of cancers are preventable, meaning the number of new cases in 2018 could have been lower than the number of deaths. The number of deaths could have been slashed: Early detection is key to successful treatment, and not all cases are detected early. This is particularly true in low-income countries, including those of the WHO South-East Asia Region. In 2017 just 30% of low-income countries globally reported having appropriate access to cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment. This compares with more than 90% of high-income countries.
It is imperative that all Member States in the Region provide access to services that can screen, diagnose and treat cancer. Member State progress is commendable. Since 2014, preventing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) by implementing multisectoral and cost-effective ‘best buys’ has been a Flagship Priority. In 2015 Member States adopted a Regional Committee resolution on the way forward for cancer prevention and control. In 2017 the World Health Assembly adopted a resolution on the need to take an integrated approach to cancer. In 2018 WHO launched its Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer. All countries in the Region have developed and are implementing multisectoral NCD action plans that reflect these initiatives. To eliminate cervical cancer, the Region is focused on strengthening HPV vaccination, screening and early detection.
As the theme of this year’s World Cancer Day – ‘I am and I will’ – highlights, we can all reduce the impact of cancer. By 2025 the Region must reduce overall mortality from cancer by 25%, based on 2010 levels. By 2030 we must reduce premature mortality from cancer by one third. To sustain and accelerate progress, and to be innovative in doing so, we must act decisively. Our joint efforts will chart bold and much-needed progress.
Strengthening political commitment to controlling cancer is crucial. To date, Member States have shown firm resolve at both global and regional forums. High-level leaders must continue to promote political buy-in while highlighting the preventive measures we can take, from eating healthy and exercising to avoiding tobacco and alcohol. Given that the burden of cancer is disproportionately felt in low- and middle-income countries, cancer should be framed as a development issue, and one that can have a great impact on sustainable development. 67% of all cancer deaths in the Region are premature, meaning they are killing people in their most productive years.
Health sector policymakers should strengthen national cancer control programmes. Appropriate anti-cancer medicines should be included in all essential medicines lists. Quality palliative care should be provided. Though cancer is not always preventable, the pain and suffering it can cause often is. Fully implementing the 2016 Colombo Declaration is key. The Colombo Declaration highlights the need for primary level services to provide comprehensive NCD management, from health guidance and counselling to targeted screening for early diagnosis. When cancer is detected early, patients have a better chance of successfully completing treatment. Health services operate exactly as they should: efficient, effective and equitable.
We must all do our part as individuals, and within our families and communities, to reduce the impact of cancer. By adopting healthy behaviors that reduce the risk of cancer, we not only protect ourselves, but also inspire others. Healthier families and communities that exercise regularly and eat healthy can reduce the incidence of cancer by up to half and prevent a range of NCDs, including diabetes, hypertension and stroke. Reductions in the use of tobacco and alcohol will significantly increase public health and well-being by, among other goods, promoting mental health and reducing road traffic crashes. We must all ‘walk the talk’ in the fight against cancer.
On World Cancer Day, that message is key. WHO is committed to ensuring all people can access services to screen, diagnose and treat cancer as part of achieving universal health coverage. We will continue to support Member States as they implement the plans and resolutions that they must, and as they advance health and well-being as a core part of sustainable development. As a new decade begins, we must be firmly committed and redouble our efforts to reach the 2025 and 2030 targets. I am, and I will. Will you?