WHO warns cancer deaths may reach 17 million by 2030

MANILA, Philippines - The World Health Organizations (WHO) warned yesterday that the global deaths from cancer will rise from 7.6 million this year to 17 million by 2030 if no “urgent action” is taken soon.

“There is a universal fear of cancer. But with the right frame of mind and by taking appropriate action, some cancers can be averted or cured,” said Dr. Shin Young-soo, WHO regional director for the Western Pacific.

WHO describes cancer as a “major killer” in the developed and developing nations, accounting for one in eight deaths worldwide — more than AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria combined.

The global agency is drumming up awareness against cancer in line with today’s global celebration of World Cancer Day. 

In the Western Pacific region, close to 3.7 million individuals — 2.2 million men and 1.5 million women — have developed cancer in 2008, while 2.6 million others died of this disease.

But what is unfortunate is more than 30 percent of all cancer cases can be avoided through simple measures, including non-tobacco use, exercise and health diet, limiting alcohol consumption, and protection against cancer-causing infections.

“Some cancers can be detected early, treated and cured,” WHO said in a statement.

Smoking, for instance, is considered by WHO as the “single largest preventable cause of cancer.”

“By avoiding this risk factor and encouraging healthy behavior such as regular exercise and eating healthily, people can significantly reduce the risk of developing the disease,” WHO said.

Some 25 percent of breast and colon cancer, on the other hand, is believed to be caused by physical inactivity.

Alcohol consumption increases the risk of getting cancers of the mouth, throat and voice box, breast, bowel, and liver.

“Each year, over 12 million people are diagnosed with cancer. If no action is taken, WHO warned that the worldwide cancer burden is projected to grow significantly — with the most rapid increases occurring in low- and medium-income countries,” WHO said.