Phnom Penh, May 5 — Cambodia faces a significant health challenge with approximately 20,000 new cancer cases and around 14,000 deaths each year, according to official statements. Professor Chheang Ra, Minister of Health, announced these figures during the launch of the “National Plan Against Cancer  2025-2030,” held today.

The Minister highlighted that, on average, one person in Cambodia dies from cancer every 40 minutes, amounting to about 38 fatalities daily. These losses leave many families devastated, with orphans, widows, and economic hardship becoming common tragedies across the nation.

Professor Chheang Ra emphasized that children are also severely affected, with approximately 600 child deaths due to cancer annually. Although globally, 80% of childhood cancer cases are curable, Cambodia’s survival rate remains below 20%. If current trends persist, it is projected that cancer could claim the lives of nearly 210,000 people—both young and old—in the next 15 years. This figure is comparable to the combined populations of Stung Treng, Kep, and Pailin provinces or nearly equivalent to the population of Siem Reap province.

During the ceremony, Samdech Techo Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, emphasized the importance of strengthening health human resources. He directed the Ministry of Health to continue training medical specialists and health professionals at all levels to ensure comprehensive cancer diagnosis, treatment, and care services. Furthermore, relevant ministries and institutions were urged to collaborate with the Ministry of Health in reducing risk factors associated with cancer.

Recognized as a “silent killer,” cancer often reaches advanced stages before detection, making treatment difficult or often too late. The official launch of the “National Cancer Control Plan 2025-2030” marks a significant step forward in Cambodia’s efforts to combat this deadly disease and improve the health and safety of its population.