CANCER FACTS

Cancer is the uncontrolled growth and spread of cells. It can affect almost any part of the body. The growths often invade surrounding tissue and can metastasise to distant sites. Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally and accounted for 8.8 million deaths in 2015. Lung, prostate, colorectal, stomach and liver cancer are the most common types of cancer in men; while breast, colorectal, lung, cervical and stomach cancer are the most common among women. Around one third of deaths from cancer are due to the five leading behavioural and dietary risks: high body mass index, low fruit and vegetable intake, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, and alcohol use.

Between 30 per cent and 50 per cent of cancer deaths could be prevented by modifying or avoiding key risk factors, including avoiding tobacco products, reducing alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy body weight, exercising regularly and addressing infection-related risk factors. In addition, a significant proportion of cancers can be cured by surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy, especially if they are detected early.

Worldwide, tobacco use is the single greatest avoidable risk factor for cancer mortality and kills approximately six million people each year, from cancer and other diseases. Tobacco smoke has more than 7,000 chemicals, at least 250 are known to be harmful and more than 50 are known to cause cancer.

Dietary modification is another important approach to cancer control. There is a link between overweight and obesity to many types of cancer, such as oesophagus, colorectum, breast, endometrium and kidney.