Muscat: The World Cancer Congress, Summit, and Exhibition 2025, at the conclusion of its activities today in Muscat, adopted the “Oman Resolution.” This resolution called upon relevant authorities-governments, healthcare institutions, academic centers, civil society, and international partners-to adopt and implement this resolution within their national cancer control plans.
According to Oman News Agency, the resolution calls for the establishment of a regional monitoring mechanism under a specialized task force, the allocation of sustainable long-term funding for prevention, research, and workforce development, and the building of a future based on local innovation and equitable access to care, ensuring no patient is neglected. It further committed to follow-up conferences for collective review and evaluation.
The Resolution represents a model for regional cooperation based on equity, empowerment, and sustainable cancer control, stemming from a vision rooted in justice and self-reliance in prevention, treatment, and scientific research.
The Resolution clarified that cancer is now the leading cause of death globally, causing approximately 10 million deaths annually, which is more than the combined deaths from HIV (AIDS), malaria, and tuberculosis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the GLOBOCAN network, the global cancer incidence rate is projected to rise by 77% by 2050, placing a heavy burden on healthcare systems, economies, and societies.
It indicated that the Oman Cancer Association (OCA), through its more than 25 years of experience in cooperation with the public and private sectors, recognizes the challenges faced by low- and middle-income countries in prevention and control. It calls for radical incremental changes supported by regional collaboration to achieve justice, empowerment, and self-reliance.
The Resolution noted that more than 35 million new cancer cases are expected to be registered in 2050, a 77% increase from 2022, and that the increase will be more pronounced in countries with low and medium Human Development Indices (HDIs). It pointed out that tobacco, alcohol, obesity, and air pollution are among the most significant risk factors.
In the regional context, the Resolution noted that the GCC countries and the Eastern Mediterranean region are witnessing a steady rise in incidence rates due to urbanization and modern lifestyles, with younger age groups being diagnosed, and higher percentages of cases being detected at advanced stages. This is compounded by disparities in infrastructure, a shortage of workforce, and reliance on external supply chains.
The Resolution addressed the experience of cancer patients in the region as a simultaneous health, social, economic, and psychological crisis, pointing to disparities in accessing and financing care, the high cost due to reliance on imported drugs and diagnostics, fragmented procurement systems, and weak investment in prevention and early detection, even though these investments are considered among the most cost-effective measures.
The Resolution called on countries in the region to take urgent action to reduce social and economic barriers to care, expand prevention and early detection programs, promote a culture of survivorship, and invest in systems of self-reliance, research, and innovation, stressing that moving forward requires a collective will from all partners.
The Resolution included three main principles: Equity in Access to Care, ensuring availability regardless of nationality or socioeconomic status, addressing the Social Determinants of Health (such as education, income, occupation, and transportation), and Empowerment and Survivorship, by placing patients and survivors at the core of policies, psychological and social support, and employment protection.
The “Oman Resolution” encompassed seven comprehensive strategic pillars: Prevention and Early Detection through national awareness campaigns, population screening programs, and health education enhancement; Integrated Cancer Care Chain ensuring equitable access to diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care; Human Resources Development through specialized educational tracks, incentives, and regional training programs.
Also included were: Health System Strengthening by integrating cancer indicators into national registries and localizing drug manufacturing; Research and Innovation by allocating sustainable research budgets and investing in genomics and personalized medicine; Promoting Self-Reliance by building national capabilities in drug and diagnostic production and establishing genomic centers; and Governance and Multi-Sectoral Cooperation involving governments, civil society, survivors, and religious, educational, and environmental institutions in awareness and planning efforts.
The Resolution concluded with a call to all parties to work together to implement these recommendations within national plans, establish a regional monitoring mechanism, allocate sustainable long-term funding, and build a future fostered by local innovations and equitable care opportunities, emphasizing that the “Oman Resolution” embodies a comprehensive regional vision for achieving justice, empowerment, and self-reliance in cancer control.
On the fourth and final day of the Congress, specialized scientific sessions continued, focusing on the latest developments in oncology, hematology, and palliative care, with the participation of an elite group of physicians, experts, and researchers.
The topics presented varied between innovations in stem cell transplantation, the use of immunotherapy and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques in cancer treatment, and the importance of nursing and palliative care in enhancing the quality of life and supporting patients and their families.
The first session focused on the latest updates in hematology, including improving donor selection in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, developments in conditioning regimens to balance efficacy and toxicity, reviewing the use of CAR-T cells for cancer treatment, and strategies for managing relapsed multiple myeloma, emphasizing the importance of continuity in nursing care.
Participants expressed their optimism about the future of medicine and research in this field, while emphasizing the necessity of strengthening cooperation between experts and health institutions to keep pace with the latest developments and achieve the best outcomes for patients.
The Congress, held over four days at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, aimed to unite international efforts to combat cancer by exploring the latest innovations in healthcare, promoting prevention, and supporting scientific research, thereby contributing to building a sustainable collaborative framework for achieving a world safer from this global health challenge.
The closing ceremony of the World Cancer Congress, Summit, and Exhibition 2025 was held under the auspices of HH Sayyida Dr. Mona Fahad Al Said, Honorary Chair of the Oman Cancer Association.
The four-day program included sessions that addressed vital topics such as innovations in healthcare, public policies for cancer control, and community awareness, alongside scientific workshops and an accompanying exhibition featuring the latest technologies in medicines, medical devices, and digital solutions.
Representatives from more than forty countries around the world participated in the event, reflecting the growing global interest in cancer control issues and public health promotion. This underscores the importance of international cooperation and the exchange of expertise and knowledge between health and research institutions, contributing to the development of effective strategies for prevention and treatment, and supporting efforts to improve the quality of life for patients and communities alike.
The organization of this global event was supported by the Government of the Sultanate of Oman, with the active participation of several ministries and institutions, including the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Social Development, the Foreign Ministry, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, and the Oman Medical Specialty Board.
The Congress was attended by an elite group of international experts in oncology, diagnostics, and palliative care, along with specialists in artificial intelligence and precision medicine technologies, where topics such as immunotherapy, customized vaccines, and advanced cellular therapies were presented.
The hosting of this global event coincided with the Oman Cancer Association’s celebration of its 25th anniversary, confirming its pioneering role in enhancing community awareness of cancer control and supporting national and international efforts in prevention, treatment, and palliative care.
The Congress served as an opportunity to reinforce the Sultanate of Oman’s position as a leading regional center for cooperative health work, and to solidify its commitment to promoting public health and achieving sustainable development in this field.