The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarm over Increase in Cancer Cases in the South-East Asia region, including India. According to the WHO South-East Asia Region (WHO-SEAR), a staggering 2.4 million new cancer cases were reported in 2022, including 56,000 cases among children.
The data also revealed that 1.5 million deaths were attributed to cancer, making it one of the leading causes of mortality in the region. WHO-SEAR’s regional director, Saima Wazed, highlighted that the region had the highest prevalence of lip and oral cavity cancer, uterine cervix cancer, and childhood cancers among all WHO regions.
Experts predict that by 2050, there could be an 85% increase in new cancer cases and related deaths, necessitating urgent and collaborative action by governments, healthcare institutions, and international partners.
Rising Cancer Burden and Its Implications
The increase in cancer cases across South-East Asia is a growing public health crisis. With a combination of environmental, lifestyle, and genetic factors contributing to the high incidence rates, the region faces significant challenges in cancer prevention and treatment.
The widespread use of tobacco, including smokeless tobacco and areca nut (betel nut), is a major contributor to oral cancer. Many low- and middle-income countries in the region, including India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Myanmar, have a high prevalence of tobacco consumption, leading to an increase in cancers of the mouth and throat.
Cervical cancer is another major concern in South-East Asia. Despite the availability of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, screening rates remain low.
In seven countries, cervical cancer screening coverage is below 50%, far from the 70% target required to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem. This gap in screening and prevention results in late-stage diagnoses when treatment options are less effective and more expensive.
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Childhood cancers also remain a significant challenge. While childhood cancer survival rates have improved in high-income countries, many children in South-East Asia still lack access to proper diagnosis and treatment.
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The WHO’s Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer is being implemented in ten countries in the region to improve access to early diagnosis and effective treatment. However, disparities in healthcare infrastructure and availability of specialized care continue to hinder progress.
Efforts and Progress in Cancer Control
Despite the alarming rise in cancer cases, some countries in the region have made notable progress in cancer prevention and control. According to WHO-SEAR, six countries now have dedicated national cancer control plans, while two others have integrated cancer into their national non-communicable disease (NCD) plans.
Bhutan has successfully implemented the Health Flagship Project, which screened over 90% of the target populations for gastric, cervical, and breast cancers. Screened individuals who tested positive were linked to diagnosis and treatment, setting an example for other countries to follow.
Thailand has also taken significant steps by incorporating cancer management into its universal health coverage approach through the “Cancer Anywhere” program.
This initiative ensures that cancer patients receive timely diagnosis and treatment regardless of their geographic location. Additionally, eight countries in the region have introduced nationwide HPV vaccination programs to reduce cervical cancer cases in the future.
WHO has also supported efforts to improve cancer data collection and research in the region. Seven countries now have operational population-based cancer registries, allowing for better tracking and analysis of cancer trends. Furthermore, tertiary-level cancer care is now available in ten countries, reaching over 50% of patients in need.
The region has also achieved the fastest decline in tobacco use globally, thanks to strong anti-smoking policies and awareness campaigns. However, more work is needed to address other carcinogenic substances like areca nut, which remains widely consumed despite its known cancer risks.
Challenges and the Need for Stronger Policies
Despite these advancements, several challenges persist in the fight against cancer in South-East Asia. One major issue is the inconsistency in national cancer control programs across different countries.
While some nations have made substantial progress, others still lack comprehensive strategies for cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Many national plans are not fully aligned with the latest evidence-based practices, leading to ineffective implementation and missed opportunities for early intervention.
Another significant barrier is the lack of access to essential cancer services. Only six countries in the region include cancer treatment in their health benefit packages, leaving millions of patients struggling to afford proper care.
This financial burden forces many individuals to forgo treatment, leading to higher mortality rates. Late-stage diagnosis is another major issue, as many patients seek medical attention only when symptoms become severe. This delay in diagnosis not only reduces survival chances but also increases the cost and complexity of treatment.
Screening programs remain inadequate in several countries. For example, cervical cancer screening rates are below the recommended levels in most of the region.
Without proper screening and early detection, many women are diagnosed with cervical cancer at an advanced stage, making treatment less effective. Similarly, only 3% of patients in need of palliative care currently receive it, highlighting the lack of supportive care for terminally ill cancer patients.
To address these challenges, WHO and its member states have developed the WHO South-East Asia Regional Strategy for Comprehensive Cancer Prevention and Management (2024-2030).
This strategy emphasizes a people-centered approach, ensuring that individuals and communities play an active role in cancer care. By strengthening partnerships with communities, civil societies, private sectors, and other stakeholders, WHO aims to create a more coordinated response to the growing cancer burden.
Governments must prioritize cancer prevention by enforcing stronger policies against tobacco and areca nut consumption. Expanding HPV vaccination programs and increasing public awareness about cancer risks can also help reduce future cases.
Additionally, improving healthcare infrastructure, increasing funding for cancer research, and training more healthcare professionals will be crucial in enhancing the region’s capacity to handle the rising number of cancer patients.
The increasing number of cancer cases in South-East Asia, including India, is a pressing public health challenge that demands urgent and collaborative action. With 2.4 million new cases and 1.5 million deaths reported in 2022, the region faces a significant burden that is projected to rise further by 2050.
While some progress has been made in cancer prevention, screening, and treatment, gaps in healthcare access, early detection, and policy implementation continue to hinder effective cancer control.
To combat this growing crisis, governments must work together with WHO, healthcare institutions, and other stakeholders to implement comprehensive and evidence-based cancer control strategies.
By prioritizing early detection, expanding vaccination programs, and improving access to treatment, South-East Asia can reduce its cancer burden and improve the quality of life for millions of people.
The theme of this year’s World Cancer Day, “United by Unique,” serves as a reminder that collective action and personalized care are key to overcoming cancer’s devastating impact.