It is time to stand up and do something against the cancer disease which is one of the emerging killers, threatening the health of many people in the world. Projections from the World Health Organisation (WHO) indicate that by 2030, Africa will bear some 1.6 million new cancer cases with 1.2 million deaths. This is why on the occasion of the 2012 World Cancer Day, commemorated on Saturday February 4, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Luis Gomes Sambo, emphasised that it is only by every person, organisation, and government individually doing their part that the world will be able to reduce premature deaths from cancer, especially as there is growing evidence that the WHO African Region is facing a major public health challenge due to the rising burden of cancer.

In his message, Dr Luis Sambo noted that almost 26 per cent of cancers in Africa are related to chronic infections, while 36 per cent of cancer deaths are from infectious origin such as liver and cervical cancers. Preventive measures, such as large scale vaccination against Hepatitis B virus, Human papilloma virus and adequate treatment for chronic infections, will contribute to reduce the risk of cancer. Dr Sambo also added that collective preventive measures should also be carried out to avoid human contact with carcinogens embedded in environmental pollution of air, water, working environment and soil.

Scientific knowledge, gathered over many decades, indicates that at least one-third of all cancer cases can be prevented. It is said that prevention offers the most cost-effective, long-term strategy for the control of cancer and the effective implementation of the WHO Framework Convention for Tobacco Control can ultimately decrease the morbidity and mortality rates linked to lung and throat cancers. Likewise, reducing alcohol intake or abstaining from alcohol can decrease the risk of developing liver and digestive cancers. Research also proves that healthy diets, particularly diets high in fruits and vegetables, may have a protective effect against many cancers. Conversely, excess consumption of red and preserved meat may be associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Regular physical activity combined with normal body weight will considerably reduce cancer risk, particularly for digestive, gynaecologic and breast cancers. Dr Sambo is convinced that implementing these primary prevention measures will significantly reduce the number of new cases of cancer in the Region.