40 people diagnosed with cancer every minute globally, says WHO

Tedros Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organisation (WHO), says every minute, 40 people worldwide are diagnosed with cancer.

 Ghebreyesus spoke on Tuesday while commemorating World Cancer Day.

World Cancer Day is celebrated every year on February 4.

This year’s commemoration has the theme “United by unique” and a sub-theme “United in our goals, unique in our needs.”

“Every minute, 40 people are diagnosed with cancer globally, and embark on a journey to overcome it,” Ghebreyesus said.

“On World Cancer Day, we honour the courage of those affected, celebrate scientific progress to treat the disease, and affirm our commitment to health for all.”

Speaking at the commemoration at the federal ministry of health in Abuja, Walter Kazadi Mulombo, the WHO country representative, said the theme of the commemoration highlights that everyone’s cancer experience is unique, noting that people can come together to fight the disease.

Kazadi commended Ali Pate, minister of health, the national cancer control programme and the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, for the leadership and coordination of all cancer activities in the country.

“I would also like to commend all stakeholders present here, including cancer survivors for your individual and combined effort towards raising awareness, prevention and control of cancer in Nigeria,” he said.

“The theme focuses on a people-centred approach to cancer care. This approach aims to put the needs of individuals, families, and communities at the centre of health system.

“We should not focus just on treating the disease, but adopt perspectives and experiences of individuals, carers, families, and communities as participants in and beneficiaries of health systems that respond to their needs and preferences in holistic ways.

“To support member states in their efforts towards cancer prevention, treatment, and control, WHO advocates for the adoption of global cancer initiatives such as the global initiative for childhood cancer (GICC), cervical cancer elimination initiative (CCEI) and the global breast cancer initiative.

“I am delighted that Nigeria already adopted these initiatives and prioritised cancer and NCDs in general in the health sector renewal initiative through a sector-wide approach (SWAp).”

The country representative said the WHO remains commitment to support the implementation of raising public awareness, prevention, treatment and control of cancer in Nigeria through SWAp.