2 December 2024, Cairo, Egypt – The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a new report that highlights how, if left unaddressed, breast and cervical cancers in the Eastern Mediterranean Region could result in the loss of millions of lives and billions of dollars over the next 2 decades.

Women’s cancers represent a major public health challenge in the Region, causing immense suffering and substantial social and economic costs. In 2020, these cancers claimed 60 000 lives and cost US$ 15 billion, equivalent to 0.44% of the Region’s GDP. Cancer deaths are projected to soar to 2 million over the next 20 years, with associated economic costs rising to US$ 379 billion by 2040.