Cancer on the rise at alarming rate

GLOBAL cancer rates could increase by a further 50% to 15 million new cases each year by 2020, according to a report published yesterday.

The World Cancer Report calls on governments, health practitioners and the general public to take urgent action to stem the alarming trend.

It claimed healthier lifestyles and increased awareness could prevent as many as one-third of the world's cancers. In 2000, malignant tumours were responsible for 12% of the 56 million deaths from all causes worldwide.

In many countries, more than a quarter of deaths are attributable to cancer.

In 2000, 5.3 million men and 4.7 million women developed a malignant tumour, with 6.2 million dying from the disease.

"The World Cancer Report tells us that cancer rates are set to increase at an alarming rate globally," said Dr Paul Kleihues, who is director of the

International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and co-editor of the report.

"We can make a difference by taking action today.

"We have the opportunity to stem this increase," the doctor said.

"This report calls on governments, health practitioners and the general public to take urgent action.

"Action now can prevent one-third of cancers, cure another third, and provide good, palliative care to the remaining third who need it," Dr Kleihues added. The predicted sharp increase in new cases from 10 million new cases globally in 2000, to 15 million in 2020 was attributed to steadily ageing populations in both developed and developing countries and also to current trends in smoking prevalence and the growing adoption of unhealthy lifestyles.

The 350-page report also confirmed cancer has emerged as a major public health problem for many developing countries, matching its devastating effect in industrialised nations. It said that reduction in tobacco consumption remained the most important way of avoiding cancer risk, with frequent consumption of fruit and vegetables and physical activity a strong deterrent.

In the 20th century, approximately 100 million people died worldwide from tobacco-associated diseases cancer, chronic lung disease, cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Half of all regular smokers are killed by the habit and 25% will die prematurely during middle age (35 to 69 years). Early detection through screening, particularly for cervical and breast cancers, was also advised.

Bernard W Stewart, co-editor of the report and a professor of medicine at Australia's University of New South Wales, said: "by acting now, by the year 2020, countries can achieve significant reductions in cancer rates and in mortality from cancer.

"These opportunities exist, and the only question is whether we will take advantage of them for the benefit of all humankind."