World Cancer Day - Poster Publication

  1. 10 million people die from cancer every year.
  2. At least one third of common cancers are preventable.
  3. Cancer is the second-leading cause of death worldwide.
  4. 70% of cancer deaths occur in low-to-middle income countries.
  5. Up to 3.7 million lives could be saved each year by implementing resource appropriate strategies for prevention, early detection and treatment.
  6. The total annual economic cost of cancer is estimated at US$1.16 trillion.
  7. Cancers can be caused by a number of different factors and, as with many other illnesses, most cancers are the result of exposure to a number of different causal factors. It is important to remember that, while some factors cannot be modified, around one third of cancer cases can be prevented by reducing behavioural and dietary risks.
  8. Modifiable risk factors include:
    • Alcohol
    • Being overweight or obese
    • Diet and nutrition
    • Physical activity
    • Tobacco
    • Ionising radiation
    • Work place hazards
    • Infection
  9. Non-modifiable risk factors include:
    • Age
    • Cancer-causing substances (carcinogens)
    • Genetics
    • The immune system