In Cambodia, around 20,000 new cancer cases are reported annually, with approximately 14,000 deaths from the disease each year. This number may be lower than in other countries, but it is still high when the Kingdom’s population of 17 million is taken into consideration.

Minister of Health Cheang Ra highlighted the figures, along with an uncommonly high mortality rate, as he addressed the launch of the “National Cancer Control Plan 2025-2030” on the morning of May 5. He noted that the annual figures for new cases and deaths highlight the urgency of taking preventive measures.

“Initially, the incidence of about 20,000 cases per year, when compared to more advanced countries, seems relatively low. However, this is figure come with insufficient research, and many cases have not yet been diagnosed,” he said.

“Another phenomenon is the mortality rate caused by cancer, with nearly 14,000 deaths per year, equivalent to a rate of over 70% of cases. The global average is 48%. This cancer mortality rate means that one person dies from cancer every 40 minutes in Cambodia, or approximately 38 people per day, causing many families to fall into hardship, leaving behind orphans, widowers and widows,” he continued.

He added that the tragedy of cancer also affects children, with around 600 children diagnosed with cancer each year. Globally, 80% of childhood cancers are curable, but in Cambodia, the rate is below 20%.

He further noted that if the current situation is not improved, 210,000 people of all ages could be affected over the next 15 years.

The minister stated that the new strategic plan aims to enhance primary cancer prevention, promote early detection for timely treatment, ensure sustainability and equity in access to accurate diagnostic services and appropriate, high-quality treatment, strengthen cancer information and monitoring systems, and improve governance, coordination and preparedness in the fight against cancer.

According to Ra, cervical cancer is the most common cancer among women, while liver cancer, often caused by hepatitis B (which can be prevented with vaccination from birth) are common among male patients. Stomach cancer is also prevalent among men, which he linked to poor hygiene in childhood.

Prime Minister Hun Manet also addressed the event. He urged the health ministry and related agencies to find ways to reduce the number of new cases from around 20,000 per year to just a few thousand. He encouraged better oversight of food quality, banning substances that contribute to cancer, and promoting physical activity among citizens.

Currently, Cambodia’s capacity to treat cancer is limited, both in terms of hospitals and trained staff, according to Manet.