The paper in the Lancet Oncology Commission on Cancer in the Commonwealth said that cancer diagnoses in the 56 Commonwealth nations increased by 35% between 2008 and 2018, a cause for alarm.Highlighting the high incidences of cancer in the 56-member Commonwealth countries, which includes large countries like Australia, Canada, highly-populated countries like India, and small countries like Barbados and Brunei, the paper suggested a comprehensive roadmap to combat it.The authors suggested establishing a Commonwealth cancer observatory to standardise and harmonise data on cancer trends, treatment, and outcomes, enhancing data-driven policymaking, implementing digital cancer registries, strengthening regional cancer care networks, and increasing financial and policy support.The recommendations also outline strategies for sustainable funding, including taxes on harmful products, expanded health budgets, and international support to ensure equitable access to essential cancer services.The Commonwealth Roadmap for Cancer emphasises that comprehensive cancer control scaling up may result in significant economic returns — estimated at $12 for every $1 invested — via improved health outcomes and enhanced productivity, she said.“Governments can justify initial investments in cancer control by presenting them as critical elements to economic development, highlighting the potential for significant savings in healthcare costs, increased labour participation, and improved citizens’ quality of life,” she said.
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