WHO sounds alarm on cancer surge in Southeast Asia by 2050

SWITZERLAND – The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised concerns about a sharp increase in cancer cases across Southeast Asia, predicting an 85% rise in new diagnoses and deaths by 2050.

In 2022 alone, the region recorded 2.4 million new cancer cases and 1.5 million deaths, making it a pressing public health issue, according to Saima Wazed, WHO’s Southeast Asia regional director, in a statement on World Cancer Day (4 February).

Despite these alarming figures, several countries in the region are making strides in cancer prevention and control.

For instance, Bhutan’s Health Flagship project successfully screened over 90% of its target population for gastric, cervical, and breast cancer.

Those with positive results were connected to diagnostic and treatment services. Furthermore, eight countries in the region have rolled out nationwide human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programs aimed at reducing cervical cancer rates.

Vaccination remains a cornerstone of cancer prevention, as emphasized by WHO. In a social media post, the organization highlighted that HPV and hepatitis B vaccines significantly reduce the risk of cervical and liver cancers, respectively.

To improve accessibility, WHO updated its cervical cancer vaccine guidelines in 2022, recommending a single-dose schedule for girls aged 9-14 years instead of the previous two- or three-dose requirement.

This change aims to make the vaccine more affordable and accessible, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

Globally, the HPV vaccine’s effectiveness is evident. For example, in the UK, cervical cancer rates have dropped by as much as 85% due to widespread vaccination.

The National Health Service (NHS) in England aims to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040 with HPV vaccination as a central strategy.

However, Southeast Asia lags in cervical cancer screening, with seven countries reporting rates below 50%, far from the 70% target necessary for elimination.

Tobacco use, a major risk factor for many cancers, is declining faster in the Southeast Asia region than anywhere else, thanks to WHO’s collaboration with governments on tobacco control measures. This progress contributes to reducing cancer risks.

Nevertheless, significant challenges remain. Many countries in the region face late cancer diagnoses, inconsistent national policies, and limited access to care.

Only six countries include cancer services in their national health benefit packages, and palliative care remains underdeveloped.

Additionally, the lack of cancer registries and surveillance systems hampers data-driven solutions and innovative interventions.

To address these issues, WHO has developed the Southeast Asia Regional Strategy for Comprehensive Cancer Prevention and Management 2024–2030.

Approved at the seventy-seventh regional committee meeting, this strategy prioritises a people-centred approach, focusing on improving the experiences of patients and caregivers alongside clinical outcomes.

On the same day as these announcements, the UK revealed plans for a clinical trial exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in breast cancer screening.

This initiative aims to reduce wait times and alleviate the workload for medical professionals reviewing mammograms.

In contrast, global health efforts face uncertainty following the United States’ withdrawal from WHO under an executive order by President Donald Trump.

While the long-term impact remains unclear, experts express concern about reduced global health funding and technical expertise, as the US has historically been a key player in global health initiatives.