European Journal of Cancer
Issue 5, 2010

By Helen Saul

World Cancer Day focuses on infections

The International Union Against Cancer (UICC) is calling for greater awareness of the contribution of infections to the global cancer burden.

Professor David Hill, UICC President, said, “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.

“For this reason the UICC, with over 300 member organisations 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.”

A statement from the UICC notes the disparity between low- and high-income countries in incidence rates of cancer related to infections (26% versus 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 campaign is backed by a new report from the World Cancer Campaign, ‘Protection against cancer-causing infections’. It covers the 9 infections that can lead to cancer.

Cary Adams, UICC’s chief executive officer, said, “The possibilities offered by prevention call for increased awareness of how some infections can lead to cancer. 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.”

The ‘Cancer can be prevented too’ campaign is aiming to raise awareness of six lifestyle and control measures: vaccination, regular physical activity, eating healthily, limiting alcohol consumption, reducing sun exposure and avoiding tobacco.

World Cancer Day is on 4^th February every year. It is led by UICC and its member organisations with the support of the World Health organisation and key partners. To see the report, ‘Protection against cancer-causing infections’, visit www.worldcancercampaign.org