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Taking Action

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Opportunities for cancer control exist at all stages of the cancer continuum

The Cancer Continuum

Proven-effective means to fight cancer exist at every stage of the cancer continuum

More about The Cancer Continuum

Cervical cancer deaths are preventable.

Number of future deaths that could be prevented in one year if 70% of 9-year-old girls were vaccinated

Map showing the number of future deaths that could be prevented in one year if 70% of 9-year-old girls were vaccinated

Health Promotion

It is far easier and more effective to prevent cancer than to treat it

More about Health Promotion

Social marketing campaigns promoting physical activity increase class attendance.

Average monthly attendance at physical activity sessions supported by Fit ‘n Fab social marketing program compared to pre-existing sessions without social marketing, Southmead, Bristol, UK

Chart showing average monthly attendance at physical activity sessions supported by a social marketing program increased as compared to pre-existing sessions without social marketing

Tobacco Control

Tobacco is the cause of the most preventable cancer deaths

More about Tobacco Control

In low- and middle-income countries, cigarettes have become more affordable because taxes and prices have been rising more slowly than increases in incomes.

Cumulative change in affordability of cigarettes (percent of income required to purchase cigarettes), 1990–2006

Chart showing that from 1990-2006 cigarettes became relatively more affordable in low and middle-income countries but became relatively less affordable in high-income countries

Vaccines

A majority of cervical cancer cases can be prevented by vaccination

More about Vaccines

HPV accounts for a significant proportion of cases at some cancer sites; for cervical cancer, virtually all cases are attributable to HPV infection.

Percentage of cancer cases attributable to HPV infection worldwide and total number of new cases, 2008

Chart showing that virtually all cases of cervical cancer are attributable to HPV infection

Early Detection

Detecting cancers early means they can be more effectively treated

More about Early Detection

In several high-income countries, cervical cancer incidence has shown a marked decrease with the advent of screening programs.

Trends in cervical cancer age-standardized incidence rate (world) per 100,000, 1953-2002

Chart showing that In several high-income countries, cervical cancer incidence has shown a marked decrease with the advent of screening programs (from 1953-2002)

Management and Treatment

Global innovation in better-value cancer care is needed to face current challenges

More about Management and Treatment

The WHO List of Essential Medicines includes medicines associated with cancer survival increase at a relatively low cost that are also off-patent.

Examples of medicines from the WHO essential medicines list used alone or in combination for curative treatment of common cancers

Image showing examples of medicines from the WHO essential medicines list used alone or in combination for curative treatment of common cancers

Pain Control

Access to pain relief medications for cancer patients is limited in most low- and middle-income countries

More about Pain Control

Pain treatment coverage rates have been increasing over the last four years, with the greatest gains being made in middle-income countries.

Percentage of treated deaths in pain by income level, 2008–2011

Chart for pain treatment coverage rates globally and in high-, middle-, and low-income countries

Cancer Registries

Reliable monitoring of cancer cases and deaths is essential for successful cancer management plans

More about Cancer Registries

In many parts of the world, such as Latin America, Africa, and Asia, high-quality cancer incidence and mortality data are extremely lacking.

Proportion (%) of the regional population covered by high quality cancer registration and high quality complete vital registration of death

Map depicting proportion (%) of the regional population covered by high quality cancer registration and high quality complete vital registration of death

Research

Cancer research funding is heavily weighted toward biology and treatment and in high-income countries

More about Research

Cancer research papers are dominated by the highest Human Development Index countries.

Cancer research papers in 2004-2013 by country and Human Development Index ranking (USA, Germany, Japan, Italy, and the UK contributed to 75% of world's research outputs between 2004-2013)

Graph showing cancer research papers in 2004-2013 by country and Human Development Index ranking

Investing in Cancer Prevention

Population-based cancer prevention programs are highly cost-effective

More about Investing in Cancer Prevention

Cervical cancer prevention programs are very affordable.

Estimated annual average cost (in USD) per capita and overall of a comprehensive cervical cancer prevention program in the ten countries with the highest estimated age-standardized cervical cancer mortality rates (world) in 2012

Map depicting estimated annual average cost (in USD) per capita of a comprehensive cervical cancer prevention program in the ten countries with the highest estimated age-standardized (world) cervical cancer mortality rate in 2012

Leveraging Existing Infrastructure

Even in areas with limited resources, existing public health infrastructure can make a difference

More about Leveraging Existing Infrastructures

Collaborations with existing infectious disease programs around the world are increasing capacity for cancer control.

Field epidemiology training programs and select public health infrastructure initiatives, 2014

Map depicting which countries have Field Epidemiology Training Programs in 2014

Uniting Organizations

We know how to fight cancer—but we must work together

More about Uniting Organizations

The World Cancer Declaration 2013 includes a single overarching goal and nine specific targets.

OVERARCHING GOAL: There will be major reductions in premature deaths from cancer, and improvements in quality of life and cancer survival rates.

Chart listing the nine specific targets included in the World Cancer Declaration 2013

Global Relay for Life

Global Relay for Life fosters hope, healing, and inspiration worldwide

More about Global Relay for Life

The effect of countries participating in Global Relay For Life is exponential.

2012 year in review

Dots depicting the reach and success of Global Relay For Life

Policies and Legislation

Globally and locally, policymakers can improve health, well-being and development

More about Policies and Legislation

The WHO Global Action Plan includes nine voluntary global targets which aim to reduce the major drivers of preventable non-communicable diseases, including cancers, by 2025.

Global targets for 2025 included in the WHO Global Action Plan, 2013

Chart showing the nine voluntary global targets which aim to reduce the major drivers of preventable non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cancers, by 2025 according to the WHO Global Action Plan