The World Health Organisation has revealed that 40 people worldwide are diagnosed with cancer every minute.
WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, disclosed this in a post on his X handle on Tuesday to mark World Cancer Day.
“Every minute, 40 people are diagnosed with #cancer globally and embark on a journey to overcome it. On #WorldCancerDay, we honour the courage of those affected, celebrate scientific progress in cancer treatment, and reaffirm our commitment to #HealthForAll,” Ghebreyesus stated.
World Cancer Day, observed annually on February 4, highlights global efforts to combat the disease.
This year’s theme, “United by Unique,” underscored the importance of personalized cancer care and collective action.
According to a WHO report, Africa continues to face a growing cancer crisis, with over 900,000 new cases and more than 580,000 deaths recorded in 2022 alone.
The health organization stated, “Cervical cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in the region, accounting for over 22% of all cancer deaths, while breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed. For men, prostate cancer is the most common and continues to rise.”
WHO further warned, “Without urgent action, cancer deaths in Africa could increase by over 70% by 2040.”
WHO urged the member states to strengthen health systems to make cancer treatment affordable to all.
Source; (ThePunch)
