In 2018, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) estimated the global cancer burden to have risen to 18.1 million new cases and 9.6 million deaths. One in 5 men and one in 6 women worldwide develop cancer during their lifetime; one in 8 men and one in 11 women eventually die from the disease. Worldwide, there are an estimated 44 million people who are alive within 5 years of a cancer diagnosis, called the 5-year prevalence.
The Middle East is one of the most affected regions in the world. In Jordan, cancer is the second leading cause of death. The Jordan Cancer Registry established in 1996 is mandated to collect data on cancer cases to help identify trends and ultimately improve care for patients fighting cancer. Producing reports on a regular basis since, the registry helps improving evidence-based decision-making. According to its 2015 report, close to 8400 new cancer cases were registered in Jordan in that year alone; more than half of them were among women.
However, there is also reason for hope. Health care for cancer patients has improved substantially in the last years. Today, Jordan is considered a regional center for excellence for cancer health care, offering all Jordanians access to free quality cancer care.
On World Cancer Day, WHO and its partners acknowledge the role of all stakeholders in strengthening health systems everywhere to coordinate and ensure effective patient-centred cancer control and healthy lives for all.
Related link
International Agency for Research on Cancer
International Association of Cancer Registries
