Publishing a booklet about strategies for cancer prevention in Palestine

The Palestinian Ministry of Health has recently published a booklet ,entitled ( the national strategy for the prevention and fight against cancer disease ), which is a part of series of books and publications intended for professionals and citizens, aiming to reduce the incidence of cancer in Palestine, and to increase the quality of life of patients through the development of a national strategy to achieve that , as well.

The booklet includes an introduction about the cancer, as one of the most dangerous diseases in the world , it mentioned that in 2007 there were 7.9 million of death cases related to cancer worldwide , 72% of which belong to countries of low-and middle-income.

The Booklet also summarizes the Palestinian national strategies for the prevention and control of cancer approved by the National Committee for the prevention of cancer, which includes representatives from the various health sectors and is led by the Ministry of Health.

Among these strategies is the prevention of cancer by combating the risk factors that lead to or assist in the development of disease.

In order to reduce the these factors it must reactivate the Palestinian anti-smoking act; and to impose a comprehensive ban on advertising and promotion of smoking.Such as forbidding of smoking in public areas and work places and transportation, as well as to prevent the sale of tobacco products to those, who are under the age of eighteen.

Strategies also include encouraging of healthy diets and physical activity ,combating the abuse of alcohol , and to increase the level of public awareness and promote the participation of all stakeholders in the reduction of alcohol abuse problems.
The booklet also mentioned the vaccination against the viruses that may cause infection and control of sources of environmental and occupational carcinogens, and most important of which is prevention of the use of all forms of asbestos and to provide safe drinking water and promotion of food safety systems .

The early detection of cancer is the second way, which limit the spreading of cancer, as the WHO reported that it is possible to ensure the recovery of about 40% of cases of cancer.
Followed by the need to provide treatment and appropriate health care for cancer through the provision of all required infrastructure and equipment and trained personnel.

The palliative therapy to relieve severe pain and other problems that affect more than 90% of patients has been mentioned among the preventive strategies.

The fifth and final step is to strengthen informative systems about cancer , which allow taking all of the necessary actions to establish and support the monitoring and collection of epidemiological data about cancer and to take all necessary and effective actions for cancer registry within a national reference center for cancer and participation in health and epidemiological research in this area in addition to the need of exchanging of experiences and information.