Fighting Cancer: A New Strategy for South-East Asia to Cut Cancer Mortality by 2030

The WHO has introduced a comprehensive strategy to tackle cancer in South-East Asia, aiming to reduce cancer mortality by one-third by 2030. With seven strategic priorities, the plan emphasizes prevention, early diagnosis, quality care, and community engagement. The strategy also leverages global initiatives and regional collaboration to address the unique challenges of cancer control in the region. Effective implementation and monitoring will be critical for success.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has unveiled a comprehensive plan to tackle the growing burden of cancer in Southeast Asia. The “WHO South-East Asia Regional Strategy for Comprehensive Cancer Prevention and Management 2024–2030” aims to steer the region towards reducing cancer mortality by one-third by 2030. This ambitious goal aligns with the global commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG target 3.4, which focuses on decreasing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

With over 2.4 million new cancer cases and 1.5 million deaths reported in 2022, the cancer burden in South-East Asia is rapidly increasing. If current trends continue, the number of new cases could rise by a staggering 85.7 percent by 2050, placing immense strain on healthcare systems. The cancer mortality-to-incidence ratio in this region stands at 64.5 percent, starkly higher than the 36.5 percent observed in high-income countries, signaling a critical need for better cancer management and early detection strategies.

Tackling the Cancer Crisis: Seven Strategic Priorities

The strategy is built around seven strategic priorities designed to address the multifaceted challenges posed by cancer. These priorities provide a robust framework for countries in the region to formulate and strengthen their national cancer control plans, improve access to care, and build capacity for long-term success.

National Cancer Control Plans: WHO urges countries to develop national cancer control plans with strong governance and accountability. This includes setting realistic goals, allocating resources effectively, and ensuring policies are evidence-based and aligned with best practices.

Prevention Policies and Early Diagnosis: A key focus is on strengthening preventive measures and scaling up early diagnosis and screening. Effective prevention programs could significantly lower the cancer burden, considering that one-third to half of all cancer cases could be prevented by reducing exposure to risk factors such as tobacco and infections.

Scaling Up Cancer Management: WHO calls for Member States to expand their cancer management capabilities, focusing on quality improvement and equitable access to treatment. This includes upgrading facilities, implementing standardized treatment protocols, and ensuring a well-trained healthcare workforce.

Supportive and Palliative Care: The strategy emphasizes the need to integrate supportive and palliative care into primary healthcare systems. This approach ensures that patients and their families receive comprehensive care, reducing the psychological and economic burdens of the disease.

Assessing the Burden and Outcomes: Establishing robust monitoring systems is crucial for tracking the progress of cancer control efforts. WHO recommends setting up population-based cancer registries to gather data and evaluate the effectiveness of national policies.

Community and Stakeholder Engagement: Building partnerships with civil society, the private sector, and local communities is vital for successful implementation. These stakeholders play a pivotal role in advocacy, resource mobilization, and patient support.

A Regional Approach with Global Support

The WHO South-East Asia Regional Strategy recognizes the need for a multi-sectoral approach, integrating various public health initiatives to maximize impact. It aims to leverage global programs such as the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC) and the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Rays of Hope initiative to strengthen regional capacities.

One notable initiative is the establishment of the South-East Asia Cancer Grid (SEACanGrid), a network designed to facilitate collaboration among countries in the region. Through SEACanGrid, countries can share best practices, develop contextual treatment protocols, and enhance workforce training.

Implementation and Monitoring: Turning Strategy into Action

The WHO Regional Office for Southeast Asia and its country offices will provide leadership and technical support to guide Member States in implementing this strategy. They will also monitor and evaluate progress, using a set of selected indicators to track developments biennially. This process will ensure that resources are allocated effectively and that interventions are adapted to meet the unique needs of each country.

A strong emphasis is placed on multisectoral actions and community engagement as crucial enablers of the proposed activities. Public health initiatives targeting high-impact areas like childhood, cervical, and tobacco-related cancers are prioritized. Countries are encouraged to adapt the proposed strategies based on their national contexts, ensuring that interventions are feasible, effective, and sustainable.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Despite the strong foundation laid by the WHO strategy, several challenges remain. Many countries in the region face obstacles such as limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and disparities in healthcare access. Late-stage diagnosis is still prevalent, making treatment more expensive and less effective. Addressing these challenges will require sustained political will, financial commitment, and collaborative efforts at both the national and regional levels.

The WHO South-East Asia Regional Strategy for Comprehensive Cancer Prevention and Management 2024–2030 is a bold step towards reducing the cancer burden in the region. By prioritizing prevention, early detection, and equitable access to care, the strategy seeks to transform cancer outcomes and improve the quality of life for millions. With coordinated efforts and strong partnerships, the region can make significant progress toward achieving the SDG target and ensuring a healthier future for all.