What is cancer?
Cancer is one of the four major types of noncommunicable diseases (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory diseases). Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells, which can invade and spread to distant sites of the body. There are over 100 types of cancer, affecting different parts of the body, and they can be either benign or malignant. A benign tumor does not invade surrounding tissue and is usually not harmful. Malignant tumors can invade nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body.
Act now
Cancer is one of the top four leading causes of death in the Eastern Mediterranean Region
Nearly 400 000 people die from cancer annually in our Region
Be aware of the early signs and symptoms
Seek early diagnosis and treatment
Campaigns
World No Tobacco Days
31 May
News
World Cancer Day 2020: a call to step up cancer services
4 February 2020
Gaza patients’ painful journey to cancer treatment
4 February 2019
Aryana Saeed, famous Afghan pop singer nominated as Cancer Goodwill Ambassador for Afghanistan
4 February 2019
Cancer patients face 'death sentence' in Yemen
3 Febraury 2019
World Cancer Day - “I Am and I Will”
2 February 2019
Read
Framework for action on cancer prevention and control in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region
Early detection of cancers common in the Eastern Mediterranean Region
» Related publications
Advocacy Materials
Fact sheet on HPV and cervical cancer
Watch
The story of Fatenah
Scale up for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases
Other videos
