Morocco faces alarming rise in cancer cases with 40,000 new diagnoses yearly

Wednesday 05 February 2025 - 08:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco faces alarming rise in cancer cases with 40,000 new diagnoses yearly

Morocco is confronting a growing health crisis as cancer emerges as the nation's second leading cause of mortality, with approximately 40,000 new cases diagnosed annually. The disease now accounts for 13.4% of deaths nationwide, second only to cardiovascular diseases, with an incidence rate of 137.3 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

According to the Moroccan Network for the Defense of the Right to Health and the Right to Life, the country sees 140 new cancer diagnoses daily. Among women, breast cancer represents 36% of cases, followed by cervical cancer at 11%. For men, lung cancer is most prevalent at 22%, with prostate cancer following at 12.6%.

The disease's impact has increased significantly over the past decades. Cancer moved from seventh place among diseases in 2000 to fourth in 2016, and now stands as the second leading cause of death in 2025. Cases have risen from approximately 30,000 in 2004 to the current 40,000 annually.

Multiple factors contribute to this increase, including population growth, aging demographics, and improved screening access. A 2017 survey revealed concerning lifestyle factors: 11.7% of adults smoke, 21.1% have insufficient physical activity, 53% face excess weight issues, and 20% meet obesity criteria. The country's annual tobacco consumption of 15 billion cigarettes further elevates cancer risks.

Morocco has implemented several measures to combat this health challenge. Since 2005, the Lalla Salma Foundation for Cancer Prevention and Treatment has partnered with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, investing MAD 200 million ($20 million) annually in anti-cancer medications and providing care for 25,000 new patients yearly. The Foundation has established specialized treatment facilities across 12 regions, improving accessibility to care.

The country's 2020-2029 National Cancer Strategic Plan aims to reduce cancer incidence and mortality while enhancing patient quality of life. Recent achievements include free HPV vaccination for young girls and expanded screening programs, with over 1.6 million women accessing early breast cancer detection services.

Despite these efforts, challenges persist. The Moroccan Network advocates for improved treatment access across all social groups, enhanced research support, and strengthened international cooperation. Health experts emphasize prevention's crucial role, highlighting the need to address risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and workplace carcinogen exposure.

The World Health Organization projects a concerning global trend, with cancer cases worldwide expected to increase by 60% over the next two decades, rising from 20 million new cases in 2022 to 35.3 million by 2050.