UN marks World Cancer Day
Feb.04,2014: World Cancer Day is marked annually on 4th February. With
new cancer cases worldwide expected to rise from 14 million to 22 million per year
within the next two decades, and annual cancer deaths rising from 8.2 million to 13
million, the United Nations on Tuesday called for multipronged preventive action.
“More commitment to prevention and early detection is desperately needed in order
to complement improved treatments and address the alarming rise in the cancer burden,”
said Dr. Christopher Wild, Director of the specialized UN cancer agency in launching
a new report ahead of World Cancer Day. The report warns that the global battle against
cancer won’t be won with treatment alone and urgently needs effective prevention measures
to curb the disease. “Adequate legislation can encourage healthier behaviour, as well
as having its recognized role in protecting people from workplace hazards and environmental
pollutants,” said Dr. Bernard Stewart, who co-edited the report with Dr. Wild. “In
low and middle-income countries, it is critical that Governments commit to enforcing
regulatory measures to protect their populations and implement cancer prevention plans,”
he added. The study, World Cancer Report 2014, issued by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a specialized agency of the UN World Health Organization headed by Dr. Wild, stresses that the cancer burden is mounting at an alarming pace. Due to growing and ageing populations, developing countries are disproportionately affected, with more than 60 per cent of cases and 70 per cent of deaths occurring in Africa, Asia, and Central and South America.
Source: UN
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