South Sudan faced a significant cancer burden in 2024, with an estimated 8,124 new cases and 5,128 deaths, as reported by the World Health Organization and the International Agency for Research on Cancer. The country's Health Minister, Dak Duop Bichok, emphasized the urgent need for reliable national data to understand the cancer burden. The estimates also revealed that 11,645 people were living with cancer within a five-year period.
The lack of comprehensive cancer records in South Sudan has made it challenging to determine the actual number of people affected, identify common cancer types, and assess the burden on specific communities. Minister Duop Bichok stated that relying on data from neighboring countries was not sufficient to address the health challenges faced by the South Sudanese people. He stressed the importance of collecting accurate data to guide evidence-based policies and healthcare planning.
To address this gap, the government inaugurated the Population-Based Cancer Registry at Juba Teaching Hospital. The registry aims to collect, analyze, and report information on cancer cases, including types of cancer, geographical distribution, and patient outcomes. This data will enable the development of targeted interventions and resource allocation to combat cancer effectively.
Dr. Albino Amum, director of the National Cancer Department at the Ministry of Health, highlighted the growing burden of cancer in South Sudan. He estimated that approximately 8,000 people develop cancer annually, while about 5,000 die from the disease. Dr. Amum emphasized the need for reliable data to strengthen prevention, diagnosis, and treatment services.
The global cancer burden is substantial, with an estimated 20 million new cases and 9.7 million deaths in 2022, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Africa recorded approximately 1.2 million new cases and 755,000 cancer-related deaths that year. The global burden is projected to rise to over 35 million new cases annually by 2050.
Minister Duop Bichok called on private hospitals, medical professionals, and other health stakeholders to participate in cancer reporting and surveillance. This collective effort will help build a comprehensive picture of the disease and inform effective cancer control strategies. The ministry aims to strengthen cancer prevention and treatment services, particularly in areas with limited healthcare resources.
The establishment of the Population-Based Cancer Registry marks a significant step towards addressing the cancer burden in South Sudan. With accurate data, the government can develop targeted interventions, allocate resources effectively, and improve access to healthcare services for cancer patients.
Key points
- South Sudan recorded an estimated 8,124 new cancer cases and 5,128 cancer-related deaths in 2024.
- The country lacks comprehensive cancer records, making it difficult to determine the actual number of people affected and identify common cancer types.
- The newly inaugurated Population-Based Cancer Registry aims to collect accurate data to guide evidence-based policies and healthcare planning.
