Health Forum Unveils Key Cancer Data for 2020-2022

The Ministry of Health inaugurated the "Jordanian Health Forum" on Thursday, unveiling the National Cancer Registry reports for 2020-2022 during the opening session. Minister of Health Firas Hawari, representing the Prime Minister, stated that the forum aims to strengthen partnerships and foster an environment of effective communication between the health sector's key stakeholders and international partners. The forum also seeks to ease the burden on the Ministry of Health's resources, allowing it to fulfill its responsibilities with greater efficiency. During the event, attended by Ministers of Planning and International Cooperation Zeina Touqan and Government Communication Muhannad Mobaideen, Hawari emphasized the ministry's commitment to training and education as crucial elements for equipping human resources to oversee and manage Jordan's health sector. Hawari highlighted the significance of launching the National Cancer Registry reports, marking the first time the registry has produced such comprehens ive data since its inception 25 years ago. This achievement realized in collaboration with the International Agency for Research on Cancer's regional office, the European Union grant facilitated through Spanish cooperation, and the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, addressed a previous data gap of over four years. The detailed data analysis, Hawari noted, has enabled the ministry to make informed recommendations for combating cancer, which remains the second leading cause of death in Jordan, following cardiovascular diseases. The minister also pointed out a concerning trend in the registry's findings, showing that cancer rates in Jordan have been rising at an accelerating pace since 2016, while many countries worldwide have achieved stability or declines in cancer incidence. Based on the registry's findings, Hawari stressed the urgent need for comprehensive cancer control strategies, focusing on prevention, early detection, and the establishment of infrastructure for effective treatment. He called on citizens to play a role by adopting healthier lifestyles and reducing exposure to risk factors such as smoking and obesity. Hawari also noted the country's aging population, with the proportion of people over 65 expected to rise from 5.5% to 15% within the next 15 years, adding further pressure on cancer care resources. The 2020-2022 National Cancer Registry reports recorded 10,755 cancer cases in 2022, including 8,754 cases among Jordanians and 2,021 among non-Jordanians, with 312 cases of childhood cancer. The most common cancers included breast cancer, with more than 1,700 cases, followed by colorectal cancer, lung cancer, lymphoma, and bladder cancer three of which are closely linked to smoking. Source: Jordan News Agency