Cancer Priorities in Lebanon and Role of the Lebanese Cancer Society
Dr. Michel Daher
Cancer diseases are major causes of death throughout the world and leading cause of suffering worldwide. Cancer have gained a marked public interest since disease is synonymous with death & suffering, and has led to the development of cancer societies in almost all countries. Activities depend on what is or is not done by governments or other professional organizations.
Setting priorities for issues
The cancer burden and cancer patterns reflect the way we live, and many changes in cancer incidence are due to changing patterns of life. Thus, the cancer burden can be reduced by focused intervention. Prevention and early detection can thus play a major role in saving lives.
For Middle Eastern countries, the following priorities can be set: 1st Tobacco, 2nd Nutrition, physical activity, 3rd Early detection, 4th Other cancer risk factors.
The first priority in cancer prevention should be tobacco control, and the first goal is to design a comprehensive tobacco control programme.
Priorities & Challenges of an Effective Cancer Society
From the Perspectives of the Lebanese Cancer Society, these are the priorities where an NGO have a predominant role:
- Role in Information and Education à Prevention and Early Detection
- Role of Education and CME: à Improve Quality Care
- Role in Patient Support à Better Quality of Life
- Role in Advocacy and Capacity Building à National Cancer Control Programme
Conclusions
In many developed countries, cancer societies have significantly improved cancer incidence, mortality, and quality of life. Their counterparts in developing nations – though often understaffed and under-funded – fill a similar niche.
There is a need for supporting these organizations and empowering them to do more to ease the cancer burden in their countries. This can be done through comprehensive training, sharing best practices, and networking.