According to a consultation meeting with stakeholders on World Cancer Day 2024 – observed on February 4^th – conducted by the Ministry of Health and Population, the government is developing a National Cancer Control Strategy for 2080-87.

Health Minister Mohan Bahadur Basnet emphasized the need for collective action to control cancer effectively. The newly introduced strategy aims to reduce mortality and prevalence rates.

During the event, Prof Dr. Bibek Acharya – Chief of the Oncology Department at Bir Hospital – stated, “There is a critical shortage of radiation machines, which are a vital component in cancer treatment. With a demand for around 35 such machines nationwide, only 11 are currently available, leading to extended patient waiting times.”

Approximately one-third of cancer-related deaths in the country are attributed to factors like tobacco use, obesity, alcohol consumption, and unhealthy lifestyles, with lung cancer being the most prevalent form.

With inputs from RSS