National Cancer Control Plan launched to stem rise in cases

by Torn Vibol
May 6, 2025

Prime Minister Hun Manet speaks during the official launch ceremony of the ‘National Cancer Control Plan 2025-2030’. Khem Sovannara photo

Prime Minister Hun Manet has officially launched Cambodia’s National Cancer Control Plan 2025–2030 in response to a troubling rise in cancer cases – around 20,000 new diagnoses each year – and more than 14,000 annual deaths.

The data reflects a concerning reality: someone in Cambodia dies from cancer approximately every 40 minutes, underscoring an urgent need for nationwide action.

Speaking at the launch event for the National Cancer Control Plan held in Phnom Penh yesterday, Mr Hun Manet stated that the plan provides a comprehensive strategic framework aimed at reducing the cancer burden and improving the quality of life for patients. The strategy emphasises using appropriate resources aligned with Cambodia’s socio-economic conditions and existing healthcare system.

He warned that cancer now poses a serious threat to public health and has broad social and economic consequences, which is why the government has made combatting cancer a top priority for the Ministry of Health.

Mr Hun Manet expressed deep concern about the growing number of cancer cases, noting that although 20,000 cases may seem small compared to other countries, it is a significant figure relative to Cambodia’s 17 million population.

He said that the government has been working to strengthen treatment capacity, particularly in public hospitals. Recently, the Calmette Hospital was transformed into a specialised cancer treatment facility.

“Treatment is important”, he said, “but prevention is even more crucial. Our goal is to reduce cancer cases from 20,000 to as low as 2,000 or ideally, to zero.”

To address cancer risks associated with diet, Mr Hun Manet directed the ministries of commerce, health, and agriculture, along with other relevant institutions, to tighten regulations on the importation of vegetables, meat and chemicals used in food.



He also urged the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education to collaborate in public schools to raise awareness about dietary-related cancer risks. He also emphasised the need to expand cancer vaccination programmes, such as the HPV vaccine for women and girls. Physical exercise and sports were also highlighted as important preventive measures.

The Prime Minister called on authorities to crack down on smoking, especially among students, including the growing trend of using electronic cigarettes, which are linked to cancer.

Health Minister Chheang Ra, reading the official report at the event, revealed that Cambodia records approximately 20,000 new cancer cases each year, resulting in about 14,000 deaths.

He noted that this equates to one death every 40 minutes, or around 38 deaths daily, which causes immense suffering and leaves behind orphans, widows and widowers.

“If the current trend continues”, he warned, “Cancer will claim an estimated 210,000 lives –both children and adults – over the next 15 years. This figure is nearly equal to the combined populations of Stung Treng, Kep, and Pailin provinces, or the city of Siem Reap.”



“We can no longer endure the pain and burden,” he added. “We must act swiftly. Every life we save today, especially children, means stronger, more complete families 10 or 15 years from now.”

Currently, Cambodia’s fight against cancer remains limited. Local health centres with scarce resources are primarily responsible for early detection and prevention, especially for breast and cervical cancers. Many centres provide consultations and HPV vaccinations. Meanwhile, provincial hospitals and national referral centres handle diagnostics, localised research, and treatments such as surgery.

Several national hospitals have established cancer departments equipped with modern diagnostic and treatment technology.

This situation, Ra said, has prompted the development of a targeted national strategy that focuses on inclusive policy, governance, diagnostics and nationwide cancer care.

According to WHO, noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death in Cambodia, accounting for around 60,000 deaths each year. Alarming data shows that nearly one in four Cambodians dies prematurely, between the ages of 30 and 70, from conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory illnesses.

These diseases place a heavy burden on Cambodia’s healthcare system and call for a coordinated and comprehensive response. One key component of this effort is the WHO STEPwise approach to NCD risk factor surveillance (STEPS), a globally standardised tool for collecting and analysing data on major behavioural and biological risk factors. In Cambodia, the Ministry of Health, with technical assistance from the World Health Organisation and funding from Bloomberg Philanthropies, carried out the most recent STEPS Survey in 2023. The findings were published in the Country Report launched in August 2024, building on previous surveys conducted in 2010 and 2016.

The latest results raise serious concerns. Average salt consumption among Cambodian adults has climbed to 9.5 grammes per day – nearly twice the WHO’s recommended maximum of 5 grammes. Alcohol use is also on the rise, with one in four adults reporting heavy episodic drinking in the past month. Meanwhile, the prevalence of high blood pressure has increased significantly, now affecting nearly one in five adults (17%).

“Addressing this burden requires all of us to work together with urgency and determination. Without intensified efforts to address NCDs, progress in other development areas could be undermined, leading to a strained healthcare system, setbacks in poverty reduction and a decline in the overall quality of life,” explained Dr Marianna Trias, WHO Representative to Cambodia.