Cancer in Basrah : a strategy for the future

Cancer can be controlled by at least five synchronized strategies : population-based registration, prevention using both high risk and population approaches, adequate services for early detection and treatment, palliative care and research In this paper, we present a view on how to adopt such multi-approach strategy to contain cancer in Basrah and in Iraq. The assumptions behind our view are : 1. Cancer is an important public health problem 2. Cancer is a growing public health problem 3. Many cancers are preventable, many others can be cured and only small proportions lie outside the domains of prevention and cure. 4. The strategy encompasses all necessary partners (academic, health, environmental, NGOs …etc) We believe that the first correct step in the strategy is adequate population-based cancer registration. The authors are prepared to discuss their views with open constructive mind.