[The Fourth Basic Plan for Promotion of Cancer Control].

The 4th Basic Plan for Promotion of Cancer Control, which forms the basis of Japan's cancer policy, was decided at the Cabinet meeting in March 2023. Cancer, which accounts for more than 30% of all deaths in the nation, is in a sense a huge market, and the focus of large cities and corporations is achieving voluntary progress and development. On the other hand, if we rely on market principles, we will not be able to provide adequate medical care and care to rural areas, rare cancers, childhood cancers, the socially vulnerable, and the economically disadvantaged. With the declining population, and declining birthrate, aging population, it is often felt that the disparity in cancer is widening. Therefore, in the 4th Basic Plan for the Promotion of Cancer Control Programs, the overall goal was to"promote cancer control measures that leave no one behind, and aim to overcome cancer together with all citizens."On the other hand, at the end of the basic plan, I would like to ask all citizens to build good relationships of trust with medical professionals and patient families, to make efforts to receive and understand appropriate information, and to implement measures in the midst of tight financial conditions. It calls for cooperation and understanding regarding selection and concentration, and the roles and burdens of the public and private sectors.