According to the World Health Organization, 30–50% of all cancer cases are preventable and prevention offers the most cost-effective long-term strategy for the control of cancer.
The Commonwealth Secretariat recently held a webinar aimed at increasing momentum in the investment in cancer prevention and control. The online event was convened as part of the commemoration of London Global Cancer Week.
The webinar, titled Investing in Cancer Prevention and Control in Low- and Middle-Income Countries, including Small Island Developing States: A Strategic Multi-Country Dialogue, brought together First Ladies, senior officials, experts and people with lived experiences across the Commonwealth. Attendees shared information on current advancements in cancer control.
Real-World Examples
The webinar also provided an opportunity for Commonwealth member countries to share inspirational real-world examples of how they are tackling cancer. World-leading oncology experts, researchers and seasoned public health experts enlightened participants and the audience on the efforts made to reduce and control the incidence of cancer in Commonwealth member countries.
Professor Karen Canfell, from the Commonwealth International Cervical Cancer Task Force, reported that co-ordinated efforts to meet the WHO 90-70-90 cancer targets in Commonwealth’s low- and middle-income countries has the potential to avert almost 40 million cases and save over 35 million lives within a century.
Dr Danika Marmara, Director of Cancer Care Pathways and the Ministry for Health and Active Ageing in Malta, spoke about a cancer navigation scheme to get help for cancer more efficiently and easily that is being rolled out in Malta. While Dr Tracy Halkitis, Chairperson of The Bahamas National Cancer Registry, described how it is now mandatory to record cancer incidences and how this has provided new data sets to help tackle the disease.
Funding and Support
Samoa’s Director General of Health, Prof Aiono Alec Ekeroma, announced that the Kirby Institute has pledged AU$25.9 million to seven Pacific Island communities to progress cervical cancer screening programmes. Additionally, Prof Isaac Adewole, Chair of the National Taskforce on Cervical Cancer Elimination in Nigeria, called for a global funding mechanism for cancer prevention and control, which was unanimously agreed by all countries present.
Commonwealth Secretariat's Commitment
The Commonwealth Secretariat is undertaking an ambitious and uncompromising approach because these are the priorities set by the Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, who has championed the London Global Cancer Week during her tenure. In her welcome, the Commonwealth Secretary-General said:
“The Commonwealth’s commitment to cancer control is genuine and energetic. This is the time to scale up resources and expand cancer care in low- and middle-income countries because every single person deserves access to the best care, and we know that investing in cancer care yields significant returns not only in terms of lives saved but also in economic productivity.”
“Delivering this demands a co-ordinated effort which extends beyond the health sector. By working together holistically, we can develop comprehensive strategies which not only improve care quality and access but meet increasing demands. We can improve screening and diagnostics to catch cancer more quickly and we can work towards prevention by tackling the root causes of cancer.”
The webinar was also attended by HE Rossana Briceño, the spouse of the Prime Minister of Belize, who is an advocate for reducing and controlling cancer incidence across the Commonwealth. Ms Briceño remarked:
“The global cancer burden is not just a health crisis. It is a barrier to progress. A threat to economic development and a profound challenge that requires our collective efforts.”
These discussions build upon the commitments made during the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa, where the Heads of Government pledged to strengthen and enhance resilient health systems while prioritising the health and well-being of women and girls across the Commonwealth.
Media contact
-
Tom Allen Communications Officer, Communications Division, Commonwealth Secretariat
