UICC calls for greater awareness around the contribution of infections to the global cancer burden

'Cancer can be prevented too' is the theme of a new campaign launched for World Cancer Day, 4th February, by the International Union Against Cancer (UICC). The campaign is backed by a new scientific report: 'Protection against cancer causing infections' which focuses on nine infections that can lead to cancer.

"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," said Professor David Hill, UICC President. "For this reason 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."

Cancers caused by viral or bacterial infections can be prevented through strategies such as vaccination and by adopting lifestyle changes, safe behaviours and other control measures, all of which could be implemented worldwide.

Dramatic developments have recently taken place with a second vaccine now available that is effective at preventing cancer: the HPV vaccine which protects against the human papillomavirus that can lead to cervical cancer, the third highest cause of death by cancer in women. The first vaccine protects against the hepatitis B virus which can lead to liver cancer - the third highest cause of death by cancer in men.

Despite the existence of these preventative measures, there is a clear disparity between low- and high-income countries in incidence rates of cancer related to infections (26% vs 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.

Protecting against cancer-causing infections is one of the topics addressed under the umbrella of the 'Cancer can be prevented too' campaign. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the fact that the risk of developing cancer can potentially be reduced by up to 40% through simple lifestyle changes and other control measures such as vaccination, regular physical activity, eating healthily, limiting alcohol consumption, reducing sun exposure and avoiding tobacco. The worldwide campaign is supported by a provocative digital campaign focusing on these six main lifestyle changes and control measures.

Source: UICC