World Cancer Day: Morocco Reports 40,000 Cases, 13.4% Death Rate Yearly

Doha – As the world observes World Cancer Day on February 4, Morocco grapples with the growing impact of cancer, which has emerged as the second leading cause of mortality nationwide, accounting for 13.4% of deaths after cardiovascular diseases.

Recent data shows that approximately 40,000 new cases are diagnosed annually in the Kingdom, with a concerning incidence rate of 137.3 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

World Cancer Day, established on February 4, 2000, at the World Cancer Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium in Paris, serves as a global initiative to raise awareness about cancer prevention, detection, and treatment.

This year’s observance carries the theme “United by Unique,” which places people at the center of care and their stories at the heart of the conversation, continuing the global campaign that will run through 2027.

The World Health Organization’s recent report indicates a concerning global trend, with cancer cases worldwide expected to rise by 60% over the next two decades.

The organization recorded 20 million new cases globally in 2022, projecting an increase to 35.3 million by 2050.

Cancer claims second place in Moroccan mortality

The latest report from the Moroccan Network for the Defense of the Right to Health and the Right to Life reveals a troubling landscape of cancer prevalence in the country.

Approximately 140 new cancer cases are diagnosed daily in Morocco, translating to over 40,000 new cases annually.

Among women, breast cancer leads with 36%, followed by cervical cancer at 11%. For men, lung cancer dominates at 22% of cases, with prostate cancer following at 12.6%.

In 2000, cancer ranked seventh among diseases in the country. By 2016, it had moved to fourth place, and now in 2025, it stands as the second leading cause of death. The number of cases has risen dramatically from approximately 30,000 in 2004.

The increasing cancer burden in Morocco can be attributed to multiple factors, including population growth, aging demographics, and improved access to screening and diagnostic services.

A 2017 survey highlighted contributing lifestyle factors: 11.7% of Moroccans aged 18 and above are smokers, 21.1% have insufficient physical activity.

Perhaps most concerning, 53% of the population struggles with excess weight, and 20% meet clinical obesity criteria. The country’s high tobacco consumption, reaching 15 billion cigarettes annually, further exacerbates the cancer risk, particularly for lung cancer cases.

National response and ongoing challenges

Morocco has made notable strides in cancer control since 2005, primarily through a strong partnership between the Lalla Salma Foundation for Cancer Prevention and Treatment and the Ministry of Health and Social Protection.

The Foundation has been instrumental in making substantial investments in public healthcare infrastructure and equipment, allocating MAD 200 million ($20 million) annually for anti-cancer medications and providing care for 25,000 new patients each year.

The Foundation’s work has been particularly impactful in expanding access to care across Morocco’s regions. Through their efforts, specialized cancer treatment facilities now operate in 12 regions of the country, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for treatment.

In its latest statement, the Moroccan Network for the Defense of the Right to Health and the Right to Life says that despite these efforts, mortality rates from cancer remain high.

The network’s report notes some progress but points out ongoing problems, especially in getting access to treatment and dealing with high medication costs.

The country has implemented the 2020-2029 National Cancer Strategic Plan, aimed at reducing cancer incidence and mortality rates while improving the quality of life for patients and their families.

This aligns with Morocco’s broader Strategic Vision 2030 and includes the establishment of regional cancer treatment centers across the country and specialized centers for women’s and children’s cancers.

An important achievement has been the recent implementation of free HPV vaccination for young girls, aimed at preventing cervical cancer. Additionally, screening programs have expanded, with over 1.6 million women now benefiting from early breast cancer detection services.

The network advocates for several crucial improvements, including “ensuring treatment access for all social groups, especially the poor and those with limited income, supporting research projects to enhance prevention and treatment strategies, and strengthening cooperation with international organizations to exchange expertise and resources.”

The network also points out the importance of establishing solidarity and cooperation with African countries.

Health experts stress that while treatment accessibility remains crucial, prevention plays a vital role.

The report emphasizes the need to address root causes, including tobacco use – identified as a primary risk factor – reducing alcohol consumption, and limiting exposure to carcinogenic substances in workplaces.

Early detection is highlighted as critical for increasing survival rates and treatment effectiveness.