PHNOM PENH – With cancer now claiming the life of a Cambodian roughly every 40 minutes, the Ministry of Health has pledged a renewed drive to strengthen prevention efforts, expand early detection, and improve the quality of care nationwide.

At the 30th Annual Cambodian Surgical Conference on November 15, held under the theme “Challenges of Cancer Surgery,” Health Minister Chheang Ra said surgeons remain central to the country’s ability to treat cancer effectively and save lives.

He told participants that accurate diagnosis and timely treatment are essential to reducing deaths and improving long-term outcomes, noting that surgery continues to be a core component of cancer care and must be provided with uncompromising standards of safety, quality, and affordability.

Ra called for steady improvements in medical technology and continuous professional training for doctors, in alignment with the National Cancer Control Plan for 2025 to 2030.

He stressed that lifelong learning, professional solidarity, and strict adherence to ethics and fairness must guide the delivery of cancer services across the health system.

He added that the true measure of a successful cancer surgery is reflected in a patient’s safe recovery and the improvement of their quality of life.

Cambodia reports an estimated 20,000 new cancer cases every year and around 14,000 deaths. This equates to roughly 38 deaths per day, or one death every 40 minutes. The mortality rate stands at more than 70 percent, significantly higher than the global average of 48 percent, according to the minister.

In 2024 alone, hospitals treated more than 310,000 cancer patients, with 127 deaths reported. Breast and cervical cancers were the most commonly diagnosed, together accounting for nearly one-third of all cases.

To strengthen prevention efforts, Prime Minister Hun Manet has urged closer cooperation between the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, and other relevant institutions to expand cancer education programs, boost public awareness, and widen vaccination coverage.

In May, Hun Manet also reminded citizens that reducing cancer risk requires personal responsibility, such as regular exercise and healthy daily routines. He expressed appreciation for provincial authorities that have set up public parks and exercise areas to encourage healthier lifestyles.

The prime minister further called for tighter collaboration to block imports of vegetables, fish, meat, and other foods containing harmful chemicals, while intensifying public education and enforcement to curb the rise in youth use of electronic cigarettes.

Orginally written in Khmer for Thmey Thmey, the article was translated by Heang Tong for Cambodianess.