The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a significant increase in cancer cases across the Southeast Asia region, projecting an 85% rise in new cases and deaths in the region by 2050.
In a statement released on World Cancer Day (4 February), WHO's Southeast Asia regional director Saima Wazed stated that the area recorded 2.4 million new cancer cases and 1.5 million deaths in 2022, marking a major public health crisis.
Despite these figures, progress has been made in cancer control across several countries in the region. Bhutan's Health Flagship project screened more than 90% of its target population for gastric, cervical, and breast cancer, linking individuals with positive results to diagnostic and treatment services. Additionally, eight countries in the region have introduced nationwide human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, an intervention aimed at reducing cervical cancer incidence.
WHO has emphasised the role of vaccination in cancer prevention. In a separate post on X, the organisation noted that HPV and hepatitis B vaccines play a key role in reducing the risk of cervical and liver cancer, respectively.
https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1886678659735429413
In 2022, the WHO updated its recommendations for cervical cancer vaccines to promote wider coverage. The revised guidance states that a single-dose schedule for girls aged 9-14 years provides sufficient protection against HPV, instead of the standard two to three doses. The cost of HPV vaccines remains high compared to other vaccines, and reducing the number of required doses could improve affordability and accessibility, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
The effectiveness of the HPV vaccine has been observed in other regions. In the UK, the HPV vaccine has reduced cervical cancer rates by up to 85%. The National Health Service (NHS) in England has set a goal to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040, with HPV vaccination serving as a cornerstone of this strategy. In Southeast Asia, however, cervical cancer screening coverage remains low. Seven countries are reporting rates below 50%, short of the 70% target necessary for elimination, stated Wazed.
Tobacco use, a major risk factor for several high-burden cancers, has declined at the fastest rate in the WHO Southeast Asia region. The organisation has been working with governments in the region to support tobacco control efforts, which contribute to reducing cancer risks.
Sonali Johnson, head of knowledge, advocacy and policy at the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) echoed this point, telling Pharmaceutical Technology that the conditions in which people live need to be brought into the policy dialogues, to better meet people's needs about cancer prevention, diagnosis and care.