CANCER: A GLOBAL HEALTH CHALLENGE WE CAN ACT ON
CANCER: A GLOBAL HEALTH CHALLENGE WE CAN ACT ON Prevention, early detection and healthy choices can save lives. Cancer is not just a disease affecting individuals and families—it is a global health issue affecting communities, health systems and economies across the world. Cancer refers to a large group of diseases in which abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and may spread to other parts of the body. Today, it remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In 2024, an estimated 20.6 million people were newly diagnosed with cancer and about 9.8 million people died from it globally. ๐ Why is cancer a global health issue? Cancer affects people in every country, but its impact is not equal. Many people in low- and middle-income countries face additional challenges such as limited access to cancer screening, late diagnosis, shortages of specialized healthcare services, treatment costs and inadequate access to medicines and supportive care. The burden is also expected to grow. ...