World Cancer Day: WHO's 3-step guide to early diagnosis of cancer

As World Cancer Day is observed on February 4, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has released a step by step guide for early diagnosis of the disease.

Because cancer is often detected in its late stage, WHO says this results in lower survival rates and higher costs of treatment. This is why detecting it early can reduce the mortality rate associated with cancer.

Early diagnosis improves cancer outcomes by providing the necessary care at the earliest possible time. Community engagement, improving diagnostic and referral capacity are various ways to ensure access to quality treatment in a timely manner.

WHO say its goal for early diagnosis of cancer is to help policy-makers and programme managers improve access to cancer treatment for everyone.

These are WHO's three key steps to cancer early diagnosis:

- Improve public awareness of different cancer symptoms and encourage people to seek care.
- Invest in strengthening and equipping health services and training health workers so they can conduct accurate and timely diagnostics.
- Ensure people living with cancer can access safe and effective treatment, including pain relief, without incurring prohibitive personal or financial hardship.

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