Palestinian ministry launches new strategy to tackle cancer

The Palestinian ministry of health launched a new strategy to deal with cancer to mark World Cancer Day on Saturday, the minister of health said. The ministry is working to reduce risk factors, educate citizens, train specialists, and open new specialist treatment centers, Fathi Abu Moghli told Ma'an. Cancer rates in Palestine are similar to neighboring countries, around 50 cases per 1,000 people, he said, adding that the level had stabilized in recent years. An increase in cancer prevalence over time can be attributed to improved diagnosis and increased risky lifestyle factors, he said. Cancer affects more Palestinian women than men, the minister said, adding that breast cancer was the most common form for women and lung and colon cancer the highest risk for men. He highlighted that natural diet, exercise, and breast-feeding for women can lower the risk of cancer. According to 2010 figures from the Ministry of Health, cancer mortality slightly increased from 2007, reaching 10.8 percent. Lung cancer has the highest mortality rate at 17.9 percent, followed by colo-rectal and breast cancer at 11.3 percent, the report said.