Phnom Penh: The Ministry of Health (MoH) has convened health professionals, experts, and practitioners to discuss the Draft National Cancer Control Plan 2025-2030 to mitigate the alarming threat of the disease. Addressing the opening of the consultative workshop on Nov. 5 here in Phnom Penh, MoH Secretary of State H.E. Dr. Ngov Kang encouraged productive input for the plan to ensure an effective pathway for Cambodia to address cancer, which he called a hidden killer.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Deputy Director General of Calmette Hospital and MoH Advisor H.E. Dr. Rath Beauta stated that ageing, globalisation, and urbanisation, coupled with an unhealthy lifestyle, are the motives behind the rise of non-communicable diseases, including cancer, worldwide. It was estimated that cancer claims around 10 million lives every year, and 75 percent of the deaths are in low- and middle-income countries, she said.

In Cambodia, she added, it is estimated that there are 19,795 new cancer cases, of which 10,624 a
re in women. The three most common cases for both men and women are liver, lung, and colon cancer. For women, the top alarming cases are breast, cervical, liver, colon, and lung cancer.

H.E. Dr. Rath Beauta underlined that a well-thought-out and comprehensive plan to fight cancer is essential for Cambodia not only to effectively and efficiently treat cancer but also to ensure broad coverage of prevention service provision.