Minister of Health Yolanda Awel, Dr. Tim Tebbeck, the Director of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Undersecretary Dr. Ader Achiek sign cancer awareness agreement in the US. (MoH).

The National Ministry of Health and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have agreed to collaborate on raising awareness and data gathering about Cancer in the country.

Cancers are a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body.

Some of the most common cancers in South Sudan include Cervical Cancer, Breast Cancer, Liver Cancer and Prostate cancer.

Health Minister Yolanda Awel Deng met with Dr. Tim Tebbeck, the Director of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, in Boston, United States, on Thursday.

The statement published on the ministry’s official Facebook page, said the discussion was centered on partnerships between the center and the South Sudan health sector on the situation of cancer in the country.

“This center will be valuable in addressing important public health issues. We can combine expertise and resources to develop effective strategies for raising awareness about the dangers of cancer,” it said.

“It can also promote early detection and prevention measures. These efforts can have a significant impact on improving public health outcomes related to cancer.”

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of cancer cases in South Sudan is estimated to be 9,854 with 7,539 deaths as of 2015.

By 2025, the cancer cases are expected to grow to 13,325 with 10,233 deaths, while it will continue to rise to 18,027 new cancer cases by 2035.

The National Cancer Control Programs: Policies and Managerial Guidelines, says millions of lives could be saved each year if countries made use of existing knowledge and the best cost-effective methods to prevent and treat cancer.

People can prevent cancer by avoiding smoking of tobacco, eating a healthy diet, with plenty of fruits, vegetables, limiting processed and red meats.

Other are maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active, protecting yourself from the sun, by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding midday sun.