Dhaka: Cancer deaths can be reduced considerably if cases are detected and treated early, said Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, WHO’s Regional Director for South-East Asia.

“Many cancers, such as cervical, breast and oral, have higher cure rates if detected early and treated according to best practices,” she said in a statement ahead of World Cancer Day falls on February 4.

According to World Health Organisation (WHO), every year cancer kills an estimated 1.1 million people in the South-East Asia Region that includes Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Indonesia, the Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), Sri Lanka, Thailand and Timor Leste.

In addition, nearly 1.7 million new cancer cases are reported, much of which can be prevented with lifestyle and dietary changes, as cured if detected early and treated adequately.

“Preventing and treating cancer is not beyond us. We need stronger policies, robust health promotion programmes and concerted efforts by the government, private sector, communities and even individuals,” said the Regional Director of WHO.

Dr Poonam underscored the need for creating better awareness among people to make healthy life choices in reducing the risk of cancer, among other diseases. Simultaneously, the health sector needs to work towards making cancer services, screening and adequate treatment, accessible and affordable.

She said nearly 30 percent cancer deaths can be prevented by addressing the main risk factors like tobacco use, alcohol, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and excess body weight. Additionally, cancer caused by infections, for example from hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus and Human papilloma virus (HPV), are also amenable to prevention.

Tobacco use, both smoking and chewing, is the single most important factor for cancer, causing 22 percent of the global 8.2 million deaths, and 71 percent of the global lung cancer deaths. The South-East Asia Region is home to 250 million smokers and an equal number of smokeless tobacco users, said the statement.

 “The World Cancer Day is an opportunity to raise awareness and advocate for urgent action by one and all to prevent, detect early and treat cancer successfully,” Dr Poonam observed in her statement available here today.