Cancer surveillance in the Eastern Mediterranean region: a 10-year International Agency for Research on Cancer–WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean collaboration

Abstract

The Eastern Mediterranean region covers a population of more than 700 million individuals and 22 countries and territories, sharing histories, culture, and languages. The countries and territories of this region also have large differences in demographics and human development. Population ageing and growth is predicted to more than double the number of new cancer cases in the region over the next few decades, from 782 000 in 2022 to close to 1·8 million by the year 2050. At the same time, cancer control capacity is low, with large inequalities between and within countries, further aggravated by political instability and conflicts. From 2013, the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean have been working together to strengthen cancer surveillance to inform regional and national cancer control. Based on an exposition of the cancer patterns, this Policy Review summarises remaining opportunities and barriers in ensuring high-quality cancer surveillance in all WHO Eastern Mediterranean countries and territories.