The World Health Organization and the American Society of Clinical Oncology have signed a new partnership. The goal is to improve access to quality cancer care around the world. The agreement was announced on October 15.
Cancer touches nearly every family. According to the WHO’s 2026 global report, cancer affects 92 per cent of families worldwide. The heaviest burden falls on low- and middle-income countries, where limited access to good care causes avoidable harm.
Three areas of focus
The partnership will work in three areas. First, it will train more cancer care workers. Second, it will help more patients join clinical trials. Third, it will push for better quality and accountability in cancer treatment.
Training programmes will use existing courses and adapt them to each country’s needs. Governments will be supported as they build stronger cancer services.
Closing the gap
Poor countries face the worst shortages. Many have only a handful of cancer specialists for millions of people. Basic drugs and radiotherapy machines are often missing. Patients travel long distances for treatment, if they can afford it at all.
The new deal will also push for fairer prices for cancer medicines. Officials say no family should go bankrupt paying for care. Stronger public hospitals are part of the answer.
Doctors say early detection saves the most lives. When cancer is found early, treatment is cheaper and more successful. Screening programmes for breast and cervical cancer are a top priority in the new plan.
Health experts say survival rates differ sharply between rich and poor countries. This partnership aims to close that gap. Officials hope better training and fairer access will save lives in the years ahead.
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