World Cancer Day: Addressing Rising Cancer Burden in South-East Asia

February 4, 2025
World Cancer Day: Addressing Rising Cancer Burden in South-East Asia

On World Cancer Day (February 4), the global community reflects on the progress made in the fight against cancer and renews its commitment to addressing the disease. This year marks a significant milestone—25 years since the signing of the Charter of Paris Against Cancer, a document that set the stage for unified global action against cancer. The theme for this year, United by Unique, highlights the need for a collective response to cancer that recognizes the individuality of each patient’s experience and emphasizes the importance of collaborative care from healthcare providers, families, and communities.

Cancer’s Growing Impact in South-East Asia

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that cancer continues to be a major health challenge in the South-East Asia Region. In 2022 alone, the region saw 2.4 million new cancer cases, including 56,000 in children, and 1.5 million deaths. This region now bears the highest burden of cancers of the lips and oral cavity, uterine cervix, and childhood cancers. Worryingly, projections indicate an 85% increase in new cancer cases and deaths by 2050 if current trends continue.

Progress Made in Cancer Control

Despite the alarming statistics, countries in the region have made significant progress in cancer control. Several nations have taken critical steps towards comprehensive cancer management:

  • Bhutan’s Health Flagship project in 2020 screened over 90% of the target populations for gastric, cervical, and breast cancer, linking those with positive screenings to diagnosis and treatment.
  • Thailand has implemented a universal health coverage approach to cancer care through the Cancer Anywhere program, providing better access to treatment.
  • Eight countries have introduced nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, which is key to preventing cervical cancer.
  • A regional network for childhood cancer treatment is now operational in ten countries.
  • Seven countries have established population-based cancer registries, and ten countries now offer tertiary-level cancer care to patients.

These achievements are crucial in the fight against cancer, but experts stress that much more needs to be done to address gaps in care and prevention.

Challenges Persist Despite Progress

While the region has made strides in cancer control, there are persistent challenges that continue to hinder progress. Many countries still struggle with implementing evidence-based cancer control programs effectively, and not all national cancer plans align with global best practices. Key issues include:

  • Lack of regulation on cancer-causing agents like areca nut, which is common in some countries.
  • Insufficient cancer prevention programs, leading to millions of avoidable cancer cases.
  • Limited access to cancer services, with only six countries including cancer treatment in their health benefit packages.
  • Low screening rates, particularly for cervical cancer, with coverage falling far short of the 70% target needed to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem.
  • Late diagnosis, which often results in more expensive and less effective treatment.
  • Limited palliative care, with only 3% of patients in need receiving the care they require.

A Roadmap for the Future: WHO’s New Regional Strategy

In response to these ongoing challenges, the WHO South-East Asia Region has unveiled its Regional Strategy for Comprehensive Cancer Prevention and Management 2024-2030. Approved at the 77th Regional Committee, the strategy emphasizes a people-centered approach to cancer care. This framework aims to place individuals and communities at the heart of health systems, ensuring that cancer care is accessible, affordable, and effective for all.

WHO will continue to work closely with Member States, UN agencies, and development partners to strengthen cancer control efforts across the region. The organization is also focused on building partnerships with the private sector, civil society, and local communities to reduce the cancer care gap and ensure a coordinated, multi-stakeholder approach to tackling cancer.

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