Over 500,000 African Lives Claimed by Cancer in 2022, WHO Reports

 Over 500,000 African Lives Claimed by Cancer in 2022, WHO Reports

Lagos, 4th February 2024

Breast cancer

The World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, has raised concerns about the grim cancer situation in Africa, revealing that over 500,000 lives were lost to cancer in the year 2022. Dr. Moeti shared this sobering statistic in her message marking World Cancer Day 2024.

According to the WHO official, approximately 882,882 new cancer cases were recorded in the WHO African Region, resulting in approximately 573,653 deaths. The majority of new cancer cases among adults in the region were attributed to breast, cervical, prostate, colorectal, and liver cancers, accounting for nearly 50 percent of cases.

Dr. Moeti issued a warning that without urgent intervention, cancer-related mortality in the region is projected to climb to nearly one million deaths annually by 2030. Additionally, she expressed concern that within two decades, cancer death rates in Africa could surpass the global average of 30 percent. Currently, cancer survival rates in the WHO African region are reported at a mere 12 percent, significantly lower than the global average of over 80 percent in High-Income Countries.

The theme for World Cancer Day 2024, "Together, we challenge those in power," underscores the global call for leaders to prioritize and invest in cancer prevention and care, working toward a more equitable and cancer-free world. Dr. Moeti emphasized the universal right to health and urged countries, communities, partners, and civil society to unite in fostering universal access to cancer prevention and care.

Highlighting progress in cancer prevention and care in Africa, Dr. Moeti pointed out that 17 countries have implemented high-performance-based screening tests in line with WHO recommendations. Additionally, 28 Member States have introduced nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, targeting around 60 percent of the priority population.

Emphasizing the importance of a whole-of-society approach to cancer prevention and care, Dr. Moeti called on stakeholders to identify feasible priorities, implement evidence-based interventions, and invest in cancer control. She encouraged countries to utilize the updated WHO Best Buys—a facilitative tool enabling governments to choose cost-effective policies for non-communicable diseases.

Dr. Moeti highlighted the crucial role of civil society, particularly organizations representing cancer survivors or those with lived cancer experiences, in the fight against cancer in Africa. The theme "Together, we challenge those in power to go the extra mile for a cancer-free Africa" underscores the collective effort required to address the pressing challenges posed by cancer on the continent.