Cancer in Asia conference: number of children receiving treatment in China ‘skyrockets’
- Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally. Here are four takeaways from the War on Cancer Asia conference in Singapore
- It found in low-income countries cancer incidence is worsening, Australia leads the way in care delivery and children’s cancers are mostly curable
The rallying call was “no patient should be left behind” at the recent War on Cancer Asia conference. Without action, cancer mortality is set to grow in tandem with the rapid increase in cancer incidence worldwide.
The March conference, in Singapore, reviewed practical aspects such as implementing early detection measures, where to put limited funding dollars, patient outreach and advocacy.
With cancer estimated to be responsible for one in six deaths, and the second leading cause of death globally, according to the World Health Organisation, public and private sector collaboration is critical.
Here are four main takeaways from the conference.
1. Cancer incidence is worsening in low-income countries
A health care report from The Economist Intelligence Unit advisory body reviewed different countries’ “national readiness” for tackling the disease. While cancer incidence remains higher in wealthier countries, lower-income ones are now closing the gap as they suffer from poor cancer control. The hotspots of mortality are Africa, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe.