Greater efforts to prevent cancer

Greater efforts to prevent cancer

Yesterday, Health Ministers from 10 ASEAN nations met in Jakarta to discuss the effects of cancer on health and economy. For example, in 2008, there were 700,000 new cases of cancer in ASEAN and 500,000 deaths from cancer. This means that the 10 nations lost 7.5 million years of productive life. Each family spends at least 30 per cent of its income per year on treatment. Some have become poor, incurring debts.

All concerned must step up efforts to prevent cancer such as by regular exercise and avoiding cigarettes.