National cancer control programmes

A well-conceived, well-managed national cancer control programme lowers cancer incidence and improves the life of cancer patients, no matter what resource constraints a country faces.

A national cancer control programme is a public health programme designed to reduce the number of cancer cases and deaths and improve quality of life of cancer patients, through the systematic and equitable implementation of evidence-based strategies for prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and palliation, making the best use of available resources.

A comprehensive national cancer programme evaluates the various ways to control disease and implements those that are the most cost-effective and beneficial for the largest part of the population. It places emphasis on preventing cancers or detecting cases early so that they can be cured, and provide as much comfort as possible to patients with advanced disease.

Country examples

• Colombia
• India
• Ireland
• Korea
• South Africa
• Pakistan
• Countries reporting having national cancer policies, plans or strategies
  WHO 2010 NCD Country Capacity Survey at Global Health Observatory Data Repository under Noncommunicable Diseases / Health System Response and Capacity

Planning

• National cancer control programmes: Planning

Related publications

• National cancer control programmes: Policies and managerial guidelines
  A conceptual framework for cancer policy development and programme management that can be adapted to socioeconomic and cultural contexts in all countries
• Cancer control: knowledge into action, WHO guide for effective programmes
  A series of six modules on how to advocate, plan and implement effective cancer control programmes, particularly in low- and middle-income countries
• National cancer control programmes core capacity self-assessment tool
  A practical tool for carrying out a rapid assessment of the country capacity for cancer control plans and programmes