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World Cancer Day

OPS-OMS/Sebastián Oliel

Cancer pain is a major cause of unnecessary suffering, says UN health agency

The pain that cancer patients experience as a result of the disease, or the treatment they are receiving, is too often ignored, UN health experts said on Monday, at the launch of new guidelines aiming to prevent “needless suffering”.

For World Cancer Day, on 4 February, Dr Etienne Krug from the World Health Organization (WHO), talks to Sarah Mbengue from UN News about the progress so far, and global challenges that remain in tackling the disease.

Audio
2'45"
Petr Pavlicek/IAEA

Demographic change a factor in cancer rise in low- and middle-income countries

Longer life spans combined with risk factors such as alcohol and tobacco use, physical inactivity and obesity, are behind a rise in cancer cases in low- and middle-income countries, the World Health Organization (WHO) warns.

The UN agency estimates rates in these regions could jump by as much as 70 per cent over the next 15 years unless action is taken.

WHO is highlighting the importance of early detection ahead of World Cancer Day, observed this Sunday, 4 February.

Audio
6'48"