A Consultant Oncologist, Dr. Abia Nzelu, says if bold actions are not taken, the global cancer burden could soar to an estimated 28.4 million by 2040 – a 47 per cent rise from 2020.
According to her, this projected increase in cancer incidence will be paralleled by increases in mortality rates, unless resources are placed within health services to appropriately treat and manage the growing cancer cases.
“Cancer ranks as a leading cause of death and an important barrier to increasing life expectancy in every nation. A 2019 study found cancer to be the first or second leading cause of death before the age of 70 years in 112 of 183 countries.Nzelu, however, said there is a need for Comprehensive Cancer Centres that can optimally tackle all stages and types of cancer.
“The CCC houses first-class cancer research, preventive, curative, and palliative care in one place resulting in better outcomes across a range of measures – including, most importantly, cancer survival.