Morocco Records Over 50,000 New Cases of Cancer Every Year

Cancer is gaining an alarming momentum in Morocco each year and is responsible for 13.4% of deaths nationwide.

Fez – Cancer is gaining an alarming momentum in Morocco each year and is responsible for 13.4% of deaths nationwide.

In an interview with SNRT, Dr. Tayeb Hamdi, doctor and researcher in health policies and systems throughout the country, says that cancer represents a major public health challenge in Morocco, with more than 50 thousand new cases recorded each year.

The most frequent tumor type, regardless of gender, is breast cancer, which represents 20% of cases. Lung cancer ranks second (11.4% of cases), followed by colorectal cancer (6.7% of cases).

Cancer became the second cause of death after cardiovascular illnesses in Morocco. The uptick in this data can be attributed to population growth, negative lifestyle factors, as well as improved access to screening and diagnosis.

Additionally, Dr. Tayeb Hamdi added the importance of prevention and early detection in the interview with SNRT news. He notes that two thirds of cancer deaths are preventable, with one third curable if detected in time and treated adequately.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) there were 20 million new cancer cases worldwide in 2022, and this number is predicted to increase to 35.3 million by 2050.

In light of these worrying figures, the WHO has also stressed the importance of prevention in a recent report on their website. They list preventative lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, moderating alcohol consumption, adopting a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, regular exercise, limiting sun exposure and vaccination against primary diseases.

In addition, regular screening and early detection remain among the most effective tools for reducing cancer-related mortality rates.

As for the most widespread types of cancers, those of the lung, breast, colon, prostate, and stomach, represent, not only the most frequent cases, but also the deadliest.

Cancer caused 9.7 million deaths in 2022 worldwide, WHO sources indicated, and one in five people is most likely to be affected by cancer during their lifetime.