Cancer magnitude, challenges and control in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

Cancer is increasingly recognized as a major and growing health concern in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). This report outlines the current burden of cancer in the Region and the challenges faced by the countries; these are mainly lack of national cancer surveillance, lack of a model of integrated care for noncommunicable disease prevention in general and cancer in particular, inadequate national capacity-building and lack of programme sustainability. Strategies for cancer prevention, control and care in the Region are discussed, such as: the formulation of evidence-based policies, mobilization and appropriate allocation of resources, active participation of all stakeholders, government commitment to legislation, education and international collaboration.