§ The increase in the number of male and female cancer survivors is proof that early detection of the disease saves lives.

§ The increase in the number of cancer cases is due to the increase in population and the increase in people resorting to disease detection.

§ Exclusive and prolonged breastfeeding contributes to reducing the incidence of disease among mothers.

The fourth of February of every year coincides with World Cancer Day, which is an opportunity to raise awareness, promote health education, and stimulate individual and institutional action to reduce the burden of cancer. Global health expertise confirms that a large portion of cancer cases can be prevented by reducing risk factors, and recovery chances increase significantly when the disease is detected early and treatment begins in a timely manner. Therefore, investing in prevention, early screening, and treatment is a direct path to saving lives and improving the quality of life for patients and their families.

The National Cancer Registry monitors and documents cancer data to support decision-making and services based on evidence.

Cancer is a major health challenge globally and locally, as cancers are the second leading cause of death after cardiovascular diseases. Systematic documentation of cancer cases is essential to estimate the disease burden and determine appropriate responses. The National Cancer Registry, under the Directorate of Non-Communicable Diseases at the Ministry of Health, undertakes the task of monitoring data on detected cancer cases and classifying them by age, sex, nationality, and type of malignancy. The biennial periodic reports issued by this registry contribute to guiding health policy and setting priorities based on accurate and reliable data.

According to the latest report, which is the twenty-seventh for the year 2022, (10,775) new cancer cases were registered, of which (8,754) cases (81.2%) were among Jordanians. The percentage of females among these cases was higher than that of males, as their percentage reached (54.1%) compared to (45.9%) for males. The age at which half of those diagnosed with cancer was under 57 years (60 years for males and 54 years for females), and the crude incidence rate among Jordanians reached about 112 cases per hundred thousand people.

Infection cases were highest among persons aged 60 years and over (42.8%) of the total registered cases, and this percentage was higher among males. The most common types of cancer were: breast cancer (20.1% of total cancer cases among both sexes combined), digestive system cancer (18.9%), respiratory system cancer (9.4%), and urinary system cancer (7.9%), with a clear difference between the sexes; lung cancer topped among males (12.9% of total male cases), while breast cancer was the most common form among females, constituting (36.8%) of total female cases.

It is worth noting that the number of infection cases among children under 15 years of age was the lowest, reaching 312 cases (3.6% of total cases). The most common types among children were leukemia (24.4%), brain and central nervous system tumors (20.2%), and lymphomas (18.3%).

The variation between males and females in the types of cancer that affect them is due to a combination of biological, hormonal, behavioral, and social factors. From a behavioral-social perspective, tobacco, alcohol, and drug use are more common among males, in addition to gender differences in occupations and dietary patterns, each of which carries its associated health risks.

Early detection of cancer: An effective procedure that requires more enhancement efforts.

Despite successive annual campaigns calling for early detection of breast cancer and other diseases, through self-breast examination, clinical examination, and then mammography, when necessary, individuals' turnout for early screenings remains below the desired and targeted level. The Population and Family Health Survey (2023) showed concerning indicators, as the percentage of women who received a mammogram, performed a self-breast examination, or underwent a clinical breast examination by a healthcare provider were all very low. The same was true for women who had screening for cervical cancer.

These facts show the urgent need to expand access to early detection services and reduce barriers associated with fear of the disease, lack of information, service costs, and geographic location. They also emphasize the importance of enhancing the role of the family and community in encouraging women and men to undergo regular medical check-ups.

World Cancer Day message: "Prevention starts with a step."

With the commemoration of World Cancer Day, the call to intensify efforts for prevention, early detection, and treatment is renewed, focusing on the following aspects:

• Adopting healthy lifestyles: includes quitting smoking, maintaining physical activity, and eating a balanced diet.
• Undergoing early screening: according to health guidelines, age, and individual risk factors.
• Enhancing rapid referral: for diagnosis and treatment when any indicators or suspicion of infection exist.
• Developing palliative care: to ensure the patient's quality of life and support their family.
• Strengthening multi-sectoral partnerships: between health, education, media, and civil society to ensure sustainable impact.

The most important message remains clear, “Cancer is not an inevitable fate in many cases. Through knowledge, prevention, and early detection, the burden on everyone can be reduced, lives can be saved, and the treatment journey can be made shorter, less costly, and more hopeful.