Arya News - The health ministry noted that cancer is one of five leading non-communicable diseases that pose serious threats to public health — alongside cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure) and chronic respiratory illnesses.
PHNOM PENH – A national population-based cancer registry system has been officially launched. It will serve as a foundation for cancer control efforts, as the disease continues to pose a serious threat to public health.
Minister of Health Chheang Ra presided over the July 23 launch ceremony.
“The purpose of establishing the cancer registry system is to create a foundation for cancer control by using current cancer data and future projections to support evidence-based decisions and strategic planning in cancer prevention, early detection, clinical management and patient care,” explained a ministry statement.
The ministry noted that cancer is one of five leading non-communicable diseases (NCDs) that pose serious threats to public health — alongside cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure) and chronic respiratory illnesses.
The health minister called on all institutions and partners to actively engage in prioritising the treatment of non-communicable diseases, especially cancer, urging proactive collaboration, particularly through the implementation of Cambodia’s National Cancer Control Plan 2025–2030, to improve the health and well-being of the population.
To achieve this, the ministry emphasised the need to implement the plan effectively, and to enhance inter-sectoral coordination mechanisms. This includes raising awareness and scaling up the implementation of Cambodia’s National Multisectoral Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs 2018–2027, as well as the National Strategic Plan for NCD Prevention and Control 2022–2030.
The ministry also stressed the importance of specialised training at all levels, both in the medical and allied fields, to build a capable healthcare workforce. This is essential to deliver comprehensive cancer care and treatment. It encouraged participation from all relevant institutions and authorities to prevent and reduce cancer-related risk factors.
The minister further instructed health centres to adhere to cancer prevention strategies and early detection protocols. This includes administering hepatitis vaccines and HPV vaccines for targeted age groups, and ensuring the capacity to test for cancer-related viruses when suspicious cases arise.
Referral hospitals at the district, provincial and national levels should be equipped with diagnostic mechanisms and ensure smooth and well-documented referrals between facilities. National hospitals and specialised centres should have the capacity for advanced diagnostics and deliver treatment using appropriate medical technologies.
The health minister also pushed for improvements in several key areas, including establishing clear cancer control policies, strengthening governance and improving diagnostic capabilities.
Ra noted the importance of better integration between cancer detection and treatment systems, including the development of clear structures, consistent education and outreach efforts, and strengthened specialist and general practitioner capacities, to ensure sustainable human resources in cancer care.
He also urged a greater emphasis on research and data collection related to cancer cases and encouraged continued collaboration with communities and partner organizations for greater support.
The event was attended by approximately 186 participants, including national hospital directors, provincial health department leaders, officials from relevant health ministry departments and representatives from Vital Strategies, WHO, City Cancer Challenge (C/Can), JICA, Malaria Consortium, KHANA, CHAI and HACC, among others.