12,000 die of cancer annually

The Ministry of Health has disclosed that 12,000 die from cancer annually.

The Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda made the revelation during the commemoration of World Cancer Day, which falls on 4 February. 

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According to Chiponda, the country registers almost 18,000 new cancer cases each year, with at least 12,000 cancer patients dying each year, contributing almost 50 percent of the premature deaths due to non communicable disease.

“In Malawi, patients requiring radiotherapy are currently sent to hospitals abroad, this is costly not sustainable and not all deserving patients are able to access the service abroad due to financial constraints and this on average government spends 15 thousands USD per cancer case, this includes costs of air tickets, accommodation and meals,” she said.

Commenting on the matter Health Activist George Jobe said there is need to invest more resources in the Cancer Centers and all Cancer centers needs to be opened to reduce the Cancer cases in Malawi.

“For Malawi to be able to fight Cancer there is need to intensify awareness of Cancer Desease across the country because alot of people are not aware of the causes of cancer , it’s unfortunate we don’t have many messages of Cancer issues in the media houses its high time people should that smoking, drinking alcohol can cause cancer”he added.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, globally more than 19 million new Cancer cases and approximately over ten million deaths are recorded each year, most of these death occur in low and middle income countries which contribute more than 75 %of the total global Cancer burden.

The government of Malawi has put strategies in the fight against Cancer includes national control strategic plan 2019 to 2029, health promotion messages ( eg Heath diets, exercises etc, routine Vaccination of human papilona virus in girls of 9 to 14 years, Cervical and breat cancer screening in health facilities, male medical circumcision etc.