National cancer control plans across the Eastern Mediterranean region: challenges and opportunities to scale-up

Researchers from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and partner institutions have found huge inequities in cancer control planning and implementation between and within countries and territories in the World Health Organization (WHO) Eastern Mediterranean Region. The research team systematically analysed the status of cancer control planning and implementation in the region. In a Policy Review published in The Lancet Oncology, they suggest strategies to improve the implementation of cancer control programmes in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

The researchers found that more than half of the countries and territories in the region (12 of 22) have stand-alone comprehensive national cancer control plans, and six have noncommunicable disease plans that include cancer. They also found that although the implementation of cancer plans has common challenges related to weak governance structure, few coordination mechanisms within countries and territories, and inadequate human and financial resources, the heterogeneity among countries and territories in the Eastern Mediterranean Region means that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Planning based on the local context is essential, including issues related to political instability, conflicts, and care for refugees.

The WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region is facing an increasing incidence of noncommunicable diseases, including cancer. In 2020, there were almost 734 000 newly diagnosed cancer cases and about 458 000 cancer deaths in this region, and the number of incident cases is projected to nearly double by 2040. This systematic assessment of the progress made and the existing gaps helps to highlight action areas across the six domains of cancer control, from prevention to palliation, to achieve the maximum scale-up of implementation of cancer control programmes in the region.

Fadhil I, Alkhalawi E, Nasr R, Fouad H, Basu P, Camacho R, Alsaadoon H.
National cancer control plans across the Eastern Mediterranean region: challenges and opportunities to scale-up
Lancet Oncol, Published online 1 November 2021;
https://doi.org/10.1016/S1470-2045(21)00410-1

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