Maldives unveils 5-year plan to control cancer
The plan noted that with the changes in lifestyle habits, there will be an increase in cancer cases in the coming years.
By
Aishath Fareeha Abdulla
A five-year cancer control plan was prepared and unveiled in the Maldives on Thurdday.
The National Cancer Control Plan 2022-2026 was unveiled by health minister Ahmed Naseem and WHO representative to the Maldives Dr Nazneen Anwar.
The objective of the cancer control plan, which was developed with the help of WHO, is as follows:
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Spread awareness about the disease by avoiding cancer-causing habits
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Especially within the health system, people should be made aware of cancer and be diagnosed early in the disease
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Providing cancer treatment to the general public so that the people do not suffer financially
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Expanding palliative care
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Improving cancer status in the country
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Continuing research on the disease
According to the cancer control plan, cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world and the country has not shied away from it. While there is no direct record of cancer incidence in the country, the plan says that 40% of all deaths due to non-communicable diseases are due to cancer.
Here are some important points highlighted in the plan:
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In 2020, 496 cancer patients were diagnosed in the country
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264 cancer-related deaths that year
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If you look at five years, the number of cancer survivors is expected to rise to 1,190
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Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the country
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Lung cancer is the most common malignancy in men
The plan noted that with the changes in lifestyle habits, there will be an increase in cancer cases in the coming years.
According to the plan, there has been an increase in cancer among Maldivians, especially in terms of smokers, areca-nut chewing, and reduced habits to stay fit and healthy.
