World Cancer Day 2024

Cancer is a major contributor to global mortality, causing about 1 in every 6 deaths and affecting nearly every household (1). Globally, there were an estimated 20 million new cases of cancer and 9.7 million deaths from cancer in 2022. The cancer burden will increase by about 77% by 2050, further straining health systems, people and communities (2). In the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region alone, more than 788 000 people were diagnosed with cancer in 2022. This number is projected to double to reach 1.57 million cases by 2045, because of population growth and, more importantly, the high prevalence of cancer risk factors in the Region – such as tobacco use, obesity/overweight, physical inactivity, unhealthy diets and air pollution (1,2). Cancer can also develop as a result of some infections, including hepatitis B and C (which affect the liver) or human papillomavirus (HPV, which affects the uterus). These infections are still very much present in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, even though hepatitis B and HPV can be easily prevented through vaccination. Globally, the most common cancers are breast, lung, colon and rectum, and prostate cancer. In 2020, breast cancer was the most prevalent cancer globally, while lung cancer led to the highest number of deaths (3). Cancer is not only catastrophic to individual health and well-being but also a significant challenge for families and societies at large. Cancer has a significant economic cost to the health system, as well as ...
Source: WHO EMRO News - Category: Middle East Health Source Type: news