Algeria Emphasizes National Cancer Registry's Role in Fighting Disease

Algeria's Health Minister, Mohamed Said Ait Massoudane, emphasized the pivotal role of the National Cancer Registry in the country's strategy to combat cancer. During the opening of the 2026 annual meeting of the National Cancer Registry, he noted that the registry's work is fundamental to the success of Algeria's national cancer control policy.

Cancer is one of the major public health challenges in Algeria. Breast cancer leads the list of new cases among women, with 14,712 new cases recorded annually, accounting for over 42% of all cancer cases in women. Prostate cancer is the most common among men, with 4,334 new cases each year, followed by colon cancer with 4,066 cases.

The minister stressed the need to enhance prevention, combat risk factors, and improve diagnostic and treatment pathways. He highlighted that the registry has been instrumental in producing epidemiological indicators since 2015, categorized by gender, age, and location of the tumor, supporting evidence-based health decisions while ensuring data confidentiality and ethical practices.

These data have supported strategic choices in the health sector, including the National Cancer Prevention and Control Strategy for 2025-2035. The registry's information aids in guiding investments, enhancing capacities to care for cancer patients, and expanding the network of cancer treatment centers. It also supports the development of radiotherapy facilities, procurement of linear accelerators, and the establishment of new units with additional equipment. Significant financial allocations are also planned to support the National Cancer Control Fund and provide anti-cancer drugs.

The minister reiterated the state's commitment to continuing the fight against cancer through comprehensive mobilization and continuous coordination among all stakeholders.