Coalition for collaboration in fight against cancer

Women’s Coalition Against Cancer executive director Maud Mwakasungula says the fight against cancer requires collaboration on multiple fronts.

She made the call in a statement yesterday to commemorate the World Cancer Day which falls on February 4 annually.

Mwakasungula, in the statement, said cancer is not a challenge that can be tackled by one entity.

“Governments, non-governmental organisations, healthcare professionals, researchers and the general public all have a role to play in addressing the cancer burden,” she said.

World Cancer Day is an international day to raise awareness and inspire action to fight cancer. It is an initiative championed by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).

The UICC states that about 65 percent of cancer deaths are happening in least developed countries such as Malawi.

According to Mwakasungula, World Cancer Day serves as a rallying point for numerous stakeholders to come together, share knowledge and strengthen their commitment to fight the disease.

She, however, said one of the most pressing issues in addressing cancer is closing the care gap.

“This involves ensuring that all people have access to the full range of quality healthcare services they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardships,” she said.

Currently, the country’s health system only offers chemotherapy to cancer patients, leaving the government with a $1 million (about K1.7 billion) bill annually for international referrals of cancer patients who need radiotherapy.

It is estimated that globally, 10 million people die annually due to cancer.

According to experts, cancer deaths are anticipated to rise to 13 million annually by 2030.