Cancer

Cancer is a generic term for a large group of diseases that can affect any part of the body. One defining feature of cancer is the rapid creation of abnormal cells that grow beyond their usual boundaries which can then invade adjoining parts of the body and spread to other organs.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world, particularly in developing countries. In the WHO Western Pacific Region, it is estimated that close to 6.8 million new cases of cancer occurred in 2022 (3.6 million in men and 3.2 million in women). Cancer kills nearly 3.5 million people each year in the Western Pacific Region. 

Cancer prevention is highly cost effective and its economic and societal benefits are immense. Between 30% and 50% of cancer deaths could be prevented by modifying or avoiding key risk factors and implementing existing evidence-based prevention strategies. There are primary, secondary and tertiary prevention and early detection measures for reducing cancer. 

Primary prevention refers to avoidance or reduction in cancer risk factors, the integration of activities to modify risk factors, and use protective of therapeutics:

• avoid tobacco use, including cigarettes and smokeless tobacco
• eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, and decreasing red meat and fatty foods consumption
• exercise regularly
• limit alcohol use
• practice safe sex 
• get vaccinated against hepatitis B and human papillomavirus (HPV)
• reduce exposure to ultraviolet radiation
  

Secondary prevention are those interventions that leads to early discovery and control of cancer. This includes screening for early detection and treatment of precancerous and cancerous lesions through HPV DNA tests, Pap smears, prostate specific antigen tests, and mammography.

Tertiary prevention is started after a positive diagnosis of cancer and is aimed at improving quality of life and survivorship.  

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for 9.7 million deaths in 2022. About 1 in 5 people develop cancer in their lifetime, approximately 1 in 9 men and 1 in 12 women die from the disease. The Western Pacific Region accounts for 36% of the global burden.

In response to the increasing cancer cases in the Region, WHO has supported Member States to screen for cervical cancer especially in vulnerable and hard to reach populations. WHO has developed and conducted workshops and trainings for Member States and health workers on cancer registry and hepatitis and liver cancer and has implemented research modules.

As part of the Global Initiative on Cervical Cancer Elimination, the regional office is support Mongolia to strengthen cervical cancer screening and treatment, as well as increase HPV vaccination. Additionally, as part of the WHO Global Initiative on Childhood Cancer with St. Jude, the regional office is supporting Mongolia, Philippines and Viet Nam to provide quality services for children with cancer.

In response to the global effort towards cervical cancer elimination, the regional office has developed a Strategic Framework for the Comprehensive Prevention and Control of Cervical Cancer in the Western Pacific Region 2022 – 2030. This framework will provide support and guidance for Member States in developing their domestic cervical cancer prevention and control action plans.