[1][2] Initially, the focus of the programme was prevention as its aim was to educate the population and make detection and diagnosis resources available.
Another goal for the programme was to increase capacity in the structures already dealing with cancer and address the short fallings of palliative care.
[1] The programme was subsequently revised between 1984 and 1985[2] to better set it up for success in its goal of reducing cancer morbidity and mortality in the country,[3] mainly through primary prevention and early detection.
[4] The NCCP led to the creation of 27 cancer centres across the country, and 85 additional oncology programmes in medical schools.
[1] Accessibility, availability, and affordability of cancer care resources remain a major issue faced by the programme.