WHO deplores the catastrophic impact of Covid-19 on cancer treatment

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The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on cancer treatment is catastrophic deplored the WHO Europe on Thursday, which noted interruptions in cancer services in a third of the countries in the area.

WHO Europe director Hans Kluge on World Cancer Day said, the impact of the pandemic on cancer in the region is nothing short of catastrophic.

Among the 53 countries in the region for the WHO (including several countries in Central Asia), one in three countries has partially or completely interrupted its cancer services because of the mobilization against the pandemic and restrictions on travel.

Some countries have experienced shortages of cancer drugs, and many have seen a significant drop in new cancer diagnoses, even in the wealthiest countries, Kluge noted in a statement, noting a worsening of inequalities because of economic crisis.

In the Netherlands and Belgium, during the first confinement in spring 2020, the number of diagnosed cancers fell by 30 to 40%; in Kyrgyzstan, it fell by 90% in April 2020, noted the UN official.

WHO predicts in UK delays in diagnosis and treatment are expected to lead to a 15% increase in deaths from colorectal cancers, and 9% for breast cancer over the next five years.

In the European region, cancers, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases are responsible for more than 80% of deaths each year.

WHO intends to re-mobilize the authorities with an initiative focused in particular on prevention, early detection and access for all to diagnosis and treatment.

France has already announced Thursday a ten-year plan to fight cancer with the objective of reducing the number of deaths per year from 150,000 to 100,000 by means of a 20% increase in the resources deployed.

The plan, with a budget of 1.7 billion euros for the period 2021-2025, mainly targets tobacco and alcohol. Cancer remains the leading cause of death in men and the second in women in France.

The country's goal is a tobacco-free generation for those who will turn 20 in 2030, according to French President Emmanuel Macron.

Mr. Macron also promised more screening and an increased fight against the after-effects after recovery. He confirmed the goal of seven new low emission zones in major cities and some valleys to improve air quality.