World Cancer Day

4 February 2010

World Cancer Day is marked on 4 February to raise awareness of the global impact of cancer and increase understanding of prevention, detection, treatment and care.

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. According to the World Health Organisation, from a total of 58 million deaths worldwide in 2005, cancer accounts for 7,6 million (or 13%) of all deaths. The main types of cancer leading to overall cancer mortality are:

• lung (1,3 million deaths/year);
• Stomach (almost 1 million deaths/year);
• Liver (662 000 deaths/year);
• Colon (655 000 deaths/year) and
• Breast (502 000 deaths/year).

More information:

• Cansa
• International Union Against Cancer

Source: World Health Organisation

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