Cancer poses a growing threat

Given its nature as a disease, fighting cancer requires a global approach and coordinated efforts between nations. Without such an outlook, it would be difficult for any policy or programme to succeed in containing it.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently warned that if there is no immediate action, cancer death rates will dramatically increase on a global scale. This means that 17 million people would die from cancer in 2030, compared to 7.6 million deaths this year. The WHO has identified cancer as a major killer in both developed and developing countries, with over 12 million people diagnosed annually. One in eight deaths worldwide is caused by cancer making the disease more deadly than Aids, tuberculosis and malaria combined.

The numbers are undoubtedly serious and require immediate attention from the authorities. The most effective means of fighting a disease such as cancer is to adopt a preventive approach that informs and educates the public on how best to keep it at bay. The UAE could also be more proactive in fighting cancer, which should start with awareness campaigns across various groups in the country. But for these campaigns to succeed, consistency and coordination is a must.