MEDIA RELEASE PR37975
World Cancer Day - 4th February 2010 to Focus on Link Between Infections and Cancer
GENEVA, Jan. 28/PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ --
- UICC Calls for Greater Awareness Around the Contribution of
Infections to the Global Cancer Burden
'Cancer can be prevented too' is the theme of a new campaign being
launched today in the lead up to World Cancer Day on 4th February, by the
International Union Against Cancer (UICC). The campaign is backed by a new
scientific report: 'Protection against cancer causing infections', which
focuses on the nine infections that can lead to cancer.
To view the Multimedia News Release, please click:
"Of the 12 million people who are diagnosed with cancer each year, around
20% of cases can be attributed to viral and bacterial infections that either
directly cause or increase the risk of cancer," said Professor David Hill,
UICC President. "For this reason the UICC, with over 300 member organizations
in more than 100 countries, will focus this year's World Cancer Day campaign
on increasing awareness of the contribution of infections to the global
cancer burden."
Cancers caused by viral or bacterial infections can be prevented through
strategies such as vaccination and by adopting lifestyle changes, safe
behaviours and other control measures, all of which could be implemented
worldwide.
Dramatic developments have recently taken place with a second vaccine now
available that is effective at preventing cancer: the HPV vaccine which
protects against the human papillomavirus that can lead to cervical cancer,
the third highest cause of death by cancer in women. The very first vaccine
protects against the hepatitis B virus which can lead to liver cancer - the
third highest cause of death by cancer in men.
Despite the existence of these preventative measures, there is a clear
disparity between low- and high-income countries in incidence rates of cancer
related to infections (26% vs 8%), access to prevention programmes and also
treatment and care. For example, 80% of global cervical cancer deaths are in
developing countries, and even where affordable technology is available,
enormous challenges remain due to limitations in disease awareness and public
health infrastructures, illustrated by the significant differences in the
coverage of hepatitis B vaccination programmes worldwide.
"The possibilities offered by prevention calls for increased awareness of
how some infections can lead to cancer," said Cary Adams, CEO of UICC.
"Policy-makers around the world have the opportunity and obligation to use
these vaccines to save people's lives and educate their communities towards
lifestyle choices and control measures that reduce their risk of cancer."
Protecting against cancer-causing infections is one of the topics
addressed under the umbrella of the 'Cancer can be prevented too' campaign.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of the fact that the risk of developing
cancer can potentially be reduced by up to 40% through simple lifestyle
changes and other control measures such as vaccination, regular physical
activity, eating healthily, limiting alcohol consumption, reducing sun
exposure and avoiding tobacco. "Comprehensive and coordinated national
initiatives that focus on key risk factors are required to realise the full
preventive potential of cancer," said Dr Ala Alwan, Assistant
Director-General of WHO.
The worldwide campaign is supported by a provocative digital campaign
focusing on these six main lifestyle changes and control measures.
For media materials including the World Cancer Campaign Report 2010
"Protection against cancer-causing infections," visit:
Press contact:
Sophie Laird, Cohn & Wolfe public relations
Tel: +41-22-908-4073 - sophie.laird@cohnwolfe.com
SOURCE: International Union Against Cancer (UICC)
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