Despite significant scientific advances in cancer treatment around the world, the reality for millions of people has not changed much. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that countless patients still face dire physical, mental and financial consequences after being diagnosed with the disease.
According to WHO estimates, one in five people will develop cancer at some point in their lives. In addition, 92 percent of the world’s population will face the impact of cancer in some way, either through being affected themselves or through a close relative.
“For many years, when we tell the story of cancer, we have heard stories of scientific advances, new technologies, new treatments and new hope. These are true and certainly worth telling,” said Dr. André Elbaui, head of the WHO’s cancer control department.
But this is not the whole story.