Phnom Penh (FN), Nov. 8 – Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are responsible for nearly 60,000 deaths in Cambodia each year, making up 60% of all fatalities, according to Roth Botta, Advisor to the Ministry of Health and Deputy Director General of Calmette Hospital.

Speaking at a consultation workshop on the National Plan to Fight Cancer 2025-2030 on 5 November 2024, Roth Botta stated that NCDs, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and chronic respiratory conditions, are a major health crisis in Cambodia. In 2018, these diseases accounted for 64% of all deaths, with cancer alone responsible for 14%.

She reported that Cambodia records approximately 19,795 new cancer cases annually, with 10,624 cases among women. Liver cancer ranks highest among all cancers in both men and women, followed by lung, breast, colon, and cervical cancers. Among women, breast cancer is the most common, followed by cervical, liver, colon, and lung cancers.

To address this issue more effectively and strengthen the health sector toward achieving universal health coverage in Cambodia, especially under the leadership of Health Minister Chheang Ra, the Ministry of Health has initiated the preparation of the National Plan to Fight Cancer 2025-2030. In this regard, the ministry organized the workshop to collect input from stakeholders to ensure the plan's effectiveness and accuracy.

Up to 80 percent of these non-communicable diseases can be prevented through a healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco consumption.
=FRESH NEWS