Reducing Stigma of Cancer in Asia–An Important Strategy for Cancer Control

Abstract

Half the global burden of cancer is in Asia, where 60 percent of the world population live. Ageing society, growing populations, lifestyle and socioeconomic changes have contributed to a steep rise in cancer incidences. The emerging cancer burden across Asia call for balanced investments in public and professional awareness and political recognition of cancer as a public health problem. Early detection and cancer prevention leads to both better health outcomes and better cost-savings of treatment costs. Although evolving cancer health services need to be stepped up to strengthen cancer healthcare infrastructure to improve equitable access to services, more work must be conducted in the community to address the entrenched stigma of cancer and caused a shift towards a more positive perception to help address cancer in Asia.