Ministry of Health has stated that one-third or about 33% of individuals can prevent cancer early by developing healthy habits. The ministry made the statement in the National Cancer Control Plan (NCCP) 2022-2026.
Citing international studies, the health ministry stated the plan states there is a chance of controlling between 30-50% of the most common cancers. The ministry stated that the incidence of cancer in the Maldives has increased to an alarming level. Therefore, the ministry formulated the NCCP with the assistance of relevant agencies. The main aim of the five-year plan is early prevention by letting go of unhealthy lifestyle habits that lead to cancer. As such, one-third of the most common cancers can be prevented by adopting healthy lifestyle habits. The plan mentions that many cancers can be prevented by avoiding smoking, unhealthy eating habits, not being active, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Furthermore, the NCCP states that the main reason for the increase in cancer in the Maldives is the lack of early detection. The lack of cancer diagnostic tests in many healthcare hospitals in the country is also a concern. The plan also notes that doctors and nurses in many hospitals in the Maldives have not been trained in the symptoms of cancer.
Additionally, the plan notes that specialised tests for cancer diagnosis are not available in the country, and biopsy and cytology services are not available in some cases due to a lack of resources and a lack of professionals trained to use the available resources. The plan also notes that there are no guidelines included for cancer treatment, diagnostic testing, and referral for further cancer treatment in the Maldives.
Moreover, the plan will focus on public awareness and encourage individuals to change unhealthy lifestyles, and raise awareness about cancer screening for people at risk. Cancer is the most common non-communicable disease and there is a major concern that a large number of youth are being exposed to this life-threatening disease. Statistics show that cancer is also one of the most common causes of death in the Maldives.
According to the Health Protection Agency (HPA), cancer is one of the three leading causes of death in the Maldives. A World Health Organisation (WHO) study done in 2020 on the state of diseases in the Maldives states that 17% of the deaths are caused by cancer each year. From 2016 to 2019, more than 7,500 people received cancer treatment. As such, lung cancer is the most common cancer treated in men and breast cancer is the most common cancer treated in women, according to the study.