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Geneva (pte044/03.06.2003/15:20) - The World Health Organization (WHO) http://www.who.int and the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) http://www.uicc.org presented their new publication "Global Action Against Cancer" today in Geneva.
The paper contains data on cancer-related mortality and frequency in over 12 world regions, as well as a prognosis on the prevalence of cancer in the future.
While knowledge on prevention and treatment is increasing around the world, the number of new cancer cases is still on the rise. The number of deaths could increase dramatically, even in regions that currently have a low mortality rate. By the year 2020 the number of deaths could climb by 75 per cent, with North Africa, West Asia, South America, the Caribbean and Southeast Asia more at risk. If the current trend continues, the WHO predicts that 15 million people will have cancer in the year 2020, two thirds of them in industrialized countries.
"With our existing knowledge, it would be possible to prevent at least a third of the 10 million new cases of cancer appearing each year," said Gro Harlem Brundtland, general director of the WHO. John R. Seffrin, president of the UICC added: "Cancer is potentially the most preventable and treatable among life-threatening illnesses. If the current knowledge is applied properly and cancer checks are carried out, we can make this a reality for all people."
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