Cancer is a term for diseases that can affect any part of the body. It is one of the leading causes of death globally, responsible for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020- that’s 1 in 6 deaths worldwide [1]. The most common cancers are breast, lung, colon and rectum and prostate cancers [2]. Cancers linked to infections, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis, account for approximately 30% of cancer cases in low- and lower-middle-income countries [3].

Women’s cancers, including breast, cervical, uterine, and ovarian cancers, represent a significant global burden, particularly in low- and middle-income regions[1] [2].

• Breast cancer: The most common cancer among women worldwide, with 2,296,840 new cases and 666,103 deaths in 2022.
• Cervical cancer: The fourth most common cancer in women, with 662,301 new cases and 348,874 deaths in 2022.
• Ovarian cancer: A major cause of cancer-related mortality, with 324,603 new cases and 206,956 deaths in 2022[3].
• Uterine cancer: The sixth most common cancer in women, with 417,000 new cases and over 97,000 deaths in 2020[4]. 

Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, forming tumors that can spread and become life-threatening. Treatment depends on the type of cancer and its stage, and often combines surgery, radiation therapy, and medications[1].

Global Breast Cancer Facts

• 670,000 deaths worldwide in 2022
• Most common cancer in women in 157 of 185 countries
• Occurs in every country
• About 50% of cases have no clear risk factors
• 5–1% of cases occur in men

Prevalence and Burden in the Region

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). In 2020, there were 81,900 new cases, with 49,000 deaths annually, making up 84% of all cancer-related deaths in women[2]. This high burden puts significant pressure on healthcare systems and underlines the urgency of preventive action.

Who is At Risk?

Breast cancer affects mostly women—99% of cases occur in women, and 0.5–1% in men. While some risks cannot be changed, others can be reduced through healthy choices (CDC, WHO, 2025). 

Importantly, around half of all breast cancers develop in women with no clear risk factors other than being female and over 40[4].

Signs and Symptoms

Breast cancer often causes no symptoms in its early stages, making early detection essential. When present, symptoms may include[5]:

Prevention and Early Detection

Lifestyle Modifications

Simple lifestyle changes can help lower the risk of breast cancer:[6]

• Maintain a healthy weight and balanced diet.
• Stay physically active.
• Limit alcohol consumption.
• Get enough sleep.
• Breastfeed when possible, as it lowers the likelihood of early breast cancer.

Awareness and Screening

Early detection saves lives. Screening cannot prevent breast cancer, but it can find it at earlier, more treatable stages.

Anyone with a breast lump or unusual change should seek medical care, even if it is painless.

Treatment and Management

Treatment depends on the type of breast cancer and how far it has spread. Doctors often combine therapies to lower the risk of recurrence (WHO, CDC, American Cancer Society):

• Surgery: To remove the tumor.
• Radiation therapy: To reduce recurrence in the breast and surrounding tissue.
• Medications: Including hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted biological therapies.
• Targeted therapies: Like HER2 inhibitors have improved survival for certain breast cancer subtypes.

With early detection and timely treatment, most women with breast cancer can live long, healthy lives.

Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina, grow uncontrollably. It is primarily caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), a very common sexually transmitted virus. Most HPV infections clear naturally, but some persist and may develop into cervical cancer[1].

Global Cervical Cancer Facts

• Fourth most common cancer in women (660,000 cases, 350,000 deaths in 2022)
• 94% of deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries
• Caused mainly by HPV; women with HIV are six times more at risk
• Preventable with HPV vaccination and screening

Prevalence and Burden

In the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), there were about 9,500 new cases in 2020, contributing to a substantial cancer burden despite being largely preventable [1].  By 2040, combined breast and cervical cancer cases in the EMR are projected to exceed 3 million, with over 2 million deaths if prevention and screening are not scaled up. [2]

Who Is at Risk?

Cervical cancer almost exclusively affects women, as it develops in the cervix. Men do not get cervical cancer, but they can be affected by other HPV-related cancers such as penile, anal, and throat cancers (WHO, CDC). 

Signs and Symptoms

Cervical cancer is often symptomless in its early stages, which is why screening is critical. When symptoms appear, they may include (WHO, CDC):

These symptoms can also result from other conditions, but consulting a healthcare provider is essential for accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.

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Prevention and Early Detection

Cervical cancer is among the most preventable cancers with vaccination and regular screening.

• HPV Vaccination: Safe and highly effective; WHO recommends vaccinating girls aged 9–14 years. A single dose now provides lasting protection.
• Screening: High-performance HPV testing or Pap smears can detect precancerous lesions. WHO recommends starting at age 30, and at age 25 for women living with HIV.
• Early treatment of precancers: Simple outpatient procedures like thermal ablation or cryotherapy can prevent progression to cancer[6].

Global Target: By 2030, WHO aims for 90% of girls vaccinated, 70% of women screened twice by 45, and 90% of women with cervical disease treated[7]. 

Treatment and Management

Treatment depends on whether precancer or invasive cancer is detected:

• Precancerous lesions: Treated with thermal ablation, cryotherapy, excision (LEEP/LEETZ), or cone biopsy.
• Invasive cancer: Requires a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.
• Palliative care: Essential for advanced cases to improve quality of life.[8]

With vaccination, regular screening, and timely treatment, cervical cancer can be prevented and cured, bringing us closer to eliminating it as a public health problem.

Barriers in the Region

Despite proven prevention methods, many EMR countries face:

• Limited awareness about HPV and cervical cancer.
• Cultural stigma discourages screening.
• Healthcare system gaps (few trained providers, limited access to HPV tests and vaccines).

Health promotion is a cornerstone in the fight against all types of diseases[1]. Raising awareness, improving access to information, and mobilizing communities not only empower people to take charge of their health but also create the momentum needed for policy change and system-wide improvements (WHO, CDC). EMPHNET integrates these principles into its national efforts, as seen in Jordan and Iraq.

Jordan: A National Effort to Eliminate Cervical Cancer 

Over an 18-month period, EMPHNET launched the "Accelerating Cervical Cancer Elimination in Jordan" initiative in collaboration with the Jordan Ministry of Health, with support from MSD. This national campaign aimed to increase awareness, advocate for policy change, and strengthen prevention of cervical cancer through HPV vaccination and screening.

What We Did

Through a three-phase strategy, the campaign moved from stakeholder engagement to nationwide outreach, ending with the launch of a policy brief and a national high-level event.

Impact Highlights

• 5 million people reached and 3.8 million impressions via social media.
• 12 educational sessions at 7 universities, reaching nearly 1,000 students and faculty.
• 2,500 posters and 2,000 booklets distributed at primary health centers.
• Three national advocacy meetings, including consultative, advocacy, and media workshops.
• Policy brief development and dissemination.

By combining evidence-based messages, community engagement, and policy advocacy, this campaign became a model for how culturally tailored, multi-sectoral approaches can drive real public health change.

Check the project brief here.

Iraq: Advancing Early Detection, Awareness, and Action 

Currently underway, EMPHNET’s women’s cancer campaign in Iraq is a dynamic national effort to address rising rates of breast and cervical cancer. Launched in collaboration with the Iraq Ministry of Health and funded by MSD, the campaign focuses raising awareness, improving early detection, and building sustainable capacity within the healthcare system.

What Are We Doing

This year-long project builds on a multi-phase approach; starting with planning and stakeholder engagement, followed by a 4-month awareness campaign, and concluding with a post-campaign evaluation.

Expected Impact

• Improved awareness of cancer risks and symptoms among Iraqi women.
• Greater community support for screening and treatment.
• Stronger alignment of public health stakeholders to prioritize women’s health.

This campaign is not just about raising awareness; it’s about shifting the narrative around women’s health and equipping Iraq’s health system to detect and treat cancer earlier, better, and more equitably.

Check the project brief here.