The World Health Organization estimates that 7.6 million people died of cancer in 2005 and 84 million people will die in the next 10 years if action is not taken. More than 70% of all cancer deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries where resources available for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer are limited or nonexistent.
Yet cancer is to a large extent avoidable. Over 40% of all cancers can be prevented. Some of the most common cancers are curable if detected early and treated. Even with late cancer the suffering of patients can be relieved with good palliative care.
Cancer control: knowledge into action WHO guide for effective programs is a series of six modules offering guidance on all important aspects of effective cancer control planning and implementation.
This first module, Planning, gives program managers essential practical guidance on the necessary steps for developing an effective cancer control plan. The module shows how to create a cancer control plan that responds to the needs of the people, and is based on evidence and ensures that limited resources are used in an efficient and equitable way.
Planning offers practical step-by-step advice for developing a cancer control plan. The module takes users through an assessment of their current country situation then helps them set up realistic priorities that can be implemented in a stepwise manner. Throughout the text links are provided to more detailed WHO resources.
With this Planning module, program managers can confidently take the steps necessary to develop a cancer control plan, save lives, and prevent unnecessary suffering caused by cancer. Planning shows the way forward.