Since the release of the World Cancer Report 2014 by the WHO, we have been seeing headlines like 'Cancer 'tidal wave' on horizon, warns WHO' (BBC World) and for good reason.
The stats in the report have gotten everyone's attention. It suggests that the number of cancer cases might reach 24 million by 2035. It also points out that world health issues such as smoking, drinking, and obesity must be effectively dealt with to reduce that number.
The stats in the report have gotten everyone's attention. It suggests that the number of cancer cases might reach 24 million by 2035. It also points out that world health issues such as smoking, drinking, and obesity must be effectively dealt with to reduce that number.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (WHO) press release states:
Global battle against cancer won’t be won with treatment alone.
This World Cancer Report 2014 highlights the presence of a cancer divide.
Many of the cancers seen in developing countries are high infection related cancers (cancer of liver, cervix and stomach) or are cancer known to be associated with the industrialized lifestyles (cancer of lungs, breast and large bowel). Therefore high mortality from cancer in these countries could be significantly reduced if they have access to effective and affordable cancer treatments but also by implementation of vaccination programs (Hep B and HPV) and preventive efforts towards the spread of tobacco.
The rising number of cancer cases is proving to be detrimental to the economy of even the richest countries. According to the report 'In 2010, the total annual economic cost of cancer was estimated to reach approximately US$ 1.16 trillion. Yet about half of all cancers could be avoided if current knowledge was adequately implemented.'
Last but not least the report stresses on the need for widespread efforts towards early detection and treatment and the promotion of adequate legislation to reduce exposure and risk behaviours.
P.S:
Global battle against cancer won’t be won with treatment alone.
Effective prevention measures urgently needed to prevent cancer crisis.
Based on the latest statistics on trends in cancer incidence and mortality worldwide, this new book reveals how the cancer burden is growing at an alarming pace and emphasizes the need for urgent implementation of efficient prevention strategies to curb the disease.
Despite exciting advances, this Report shows that we cannot treat our way out of the cancer problem,” states Dr Christopher Wild, Director of IARC and co-editor of the book. “More commitment to prevention and early detection is desperately needed in order to complement improved treatments and address the alarming rise in cancer burden globally.”
Despite exciting advances, this Report shows that we cannot treat our way out of the cancer problem,” states Dr Christopher Wild, Director of IARC and co-editor of the book. “More commitment to prevention and early detection is desperately needed in order to complement improved treatments and address the alarming rise in cancer burden globally.”
In 2012, the worldwide burden of cancer rose to an estimated 14 million newcases per year, a figure
expected to rise to 22 million annually within the next two decades. Over the same period, cancer deaths are predicted to rise from an estimated 8.2 million annually to 13 million per year.
According to the report globally the highest number of diagnosed cancers were lung cancer, breast cancer and cancer of the large bowel. The highest number of cancer deaths were caused by cancer of the lungs, followed by cancers of the liver and stomach.
This World Cancer Report 2014 highlights the presence of a cancer divide.
As a consequence of growing and ageing populations, developing countries are disproportionately affected by the increasing numbers of cancers. More than 60% of the world’s total cases occur in Africa, Asia, and Central and South America, and these regions account for about 70% of the world’s cancer deaths, a situation that is made worse by the lack of early detection and access to treatment.
Many of the cancers seen in developing countries are high infection related cancers (cancer of liver, cervix and stomach) or are cancer known to be associated with the industrialized lifestyles (cancer of lungs, breast and large bowel). Therefore high mortality from cancer in these countries could be significantly reduced if they have access to effective and affordable cancer treatments but also by implementation of vaccination programs (Hep B and HPV) and preventive efforts towards the spread of tobacco.
The rising number of cancer cases is proving to be detrimental to the economy of even the richest countries. According to the report 'In 2010, the total annual economic cost of cancer was estimated to reach approximately US$ 1.16 trillion. Yet about half of all cancers could be avoided if current knowledge was adequately implemented.'
Last but not least the report stresses on the need for widespread efforts towards early detection and treatment and the promotion of adequate legislation to reduce exposure and risk behaviours.
P.S:
Cancer 'tidal wave' on horizon, warns WHO (BBC World February 4th 2014)
International Agency for Research Cancer
World Cancer Research Fund International
International Agency for Research Cancer
World Cancer Research Fund International
