World Cancer Day takes place on 4th February every year; this year the theme is “Debunk the Myths”.
It’s important to remember that Cancer figures among the leading causes of death worldwide:
- 8.2 million people worldwide died from cancer in 2012.
- 60% of the world’s total new annual cases occur in Africa, Asia and Central and South America.
- 30% of cancer could be prevented.
- Cancer affects everyone: poor, rich, young and old people.
- Lung, liver, stomach, colorectal and breast cancers cause the most deaths each year.
More than 30% of cancer deaths could be prevented by modifying or avoiding well-known risk factors such as tobacco use, being overweight, unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, alcohol use, sexually transmitted HPV-infection, urban air pollution, amongst others.
Cancer mortality can be reduced with prevention programmes, early detection and management of patients with cancer.
Data: WHO
