World cancer day ribbon | Image by Freepik
Cancer mortality in Africa is projected to reach about one million deaths per year by 2030 if urgent measures are not taken.
This is according to WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti as the world commemorates World Cancer day.
Also, in 20 years, cancer death rates in Africa will overtake the global average of 30%. This is more so because cancer survival rates in the WHO African region currently average 12%, much lower than the average of over 80% in High-Income Countries.
In a press statement sent to newsrooms, Dr Moeti said the cancer situation in Africa is disheartening.
“In the year 2022, approximately 882,882 new cancer cases occurred in the WHO African Region with around 573, 653 deaths. About 50% of new cancer cases in adults in the region are due to breast, cervical, prostate, colorectal, and liver cancers”, he said.
Dr Moeti said nevertheless, WHO commends the progress made in cancer prevention and care in the region.
He said there are 17 countries which have introduced high-performance-based screening tests in line with the WHO recommendations. Also, 28 of WHO Member States have introduced nationwide HPV vaccination to reach about 60% of the priority population targeted with HPV vaccination.
On the 4th of February every year, the world unites to raise awareness on fundamental cancer issues.
Dr Moeti said between 2022 and 2024, the focus of World Cancer Day is to help “Close the cancer gap.”
“This year marks the third and final year of the campaign. The theme for this year is “Together, we challenge those in power”. This theme encompasses the global demand for leaders to prioritize and invest in cancer prevention and care and to do more to achieve a just and cancer-free world”, he concluded.
