Below is the message of Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, on World Cancer Day. Continue reading…
On 4 February 2016, we commemorate World Cancer Day under the theme: “We can. I can”. This theme is prompted by a critical need to continue raising awareness and increase our collective and individuals efforts to prevent and control cancer.
Cancer is a disease that affects a growing number of people every year. The increase in the number of cases of cancer is recognized as a worrying public health problem in Africa. Women in the Region commonly suffer breast and cervical cancers whereas men have higher rates of liver, stomach, bladder, prostate, lung and throat cancers. Patients, families and societies all experience the economic impact of cancer.
About 715,000 new cancer cases and 542,000 cancer deaths occurred in 2008 on the continent. These numbers are expected to double in the next 20 years simply because of the aging and growth of the population. Unhealthy lifestyles such as eating unbalanced diet, lack of physical exercise, smoking, harmful use of alcohol, certain chronic infections – coupled with stress, all increase the chances of developing cancers. Avoidance of exposure to cancer-causing agents or risk factors, including infections, tobacco use, and obesity, is by far the most feasible and cost-effective approach to cancer control in Africa. People survive cancer, if it is detected early and cured. Each individual should commit to prevent cancer by making healthy lifestyle choices and support others when needed. Cancer patients and survivors should take control of their cancer journey, share their story and advocate for cancer prevention and control.
Although African countries have expressed their commitment to tackling cancer in the Region and pledged to design and implement effective cancer control plans, the growing burden of the disease warrants urgent attention.
As we commemorate World Cancer Day, I call on governments to step up their response to cancer by taking concrete actions to reduce premature deaths and improve quality of life and cancer survival rates. It is important that emphasis is placed on strengthening capacities for screening, early diagnosis and treatment of cancers, as well as strengthen public awareness on its risk factors.
We can all together inspire each other to take action to reduce the impact that cancer has on individuals, families, and communities. Educational efforts and understanding of the serious impact of cancer and how to avoid or delay onset of its complications are also essential.
WHO remains committed to work with development partners to provide technical support to countries in the Region to address the increasing burden of cancer.
It is clear each of us have a role to play. Let’s act to stop the growing burden of cancer.
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