The Case for Investing in Women’s Cancers

Women’s cancers, particularly breast and cervical cancer, pose a significant health challenge in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). Resource limitations, low awareness, sociocultural barriers, and health system disruptions have contributed to the societal and economic burden of these cancers. A WHO Regional Office investment case on the economic burden of both cancers revealed that, by 2040, this burden is expected to reach $379 billion. While breast and cervical cancer present major public health and health equity challenges, they are largely preventable. This panel presents informed recommendations, calling for a coordinated, well-resourced strategy to address the growing burden. Key recommendations include increasing investments in cost-effective interventions, maximizing efficiency, addressing bottlenecks in the continuum of care, and investing in data systems to monitor and evaluate progress across the region.