Welcome to the 2006 World Cancer Declaration Web site.

The Process

The 2006 World Cancer Declaration was created under the leadership of Dr. John R. Seffrin, Professor Franco Cavalli and Professor David Khayat.

The process began in December 2005 when experts, leaders and organizations from around the world were asked to identify the top priorities over the next 2-3 years that would reduce the burden of cancer. They were also asked to gather input from others. Many important activities were identified which led to a very lengthy draft of actions.

This draft was sent to the same individuals and groups for prioritization. The process was intended to be inclusive, not exclusive.

The second draft was significantly more succinct. Once again, these individuals were asked to provide input which resulted in the draft which was presented at the Opening Session of the 2006 World Cancer Congress.

All Congress attendees were encouraged to give input and they had approximately 36 hours to go to the GLOBALink cyber café and provide their input on line.

Another meeting took place during the World Cancer Congress which provided additional input into the World Cancer Declaration. The World Leaders Summit was a meeting of approximately 35 invited leaders from government, business and non governmental organizations.


Cancer Facts*

There are more than 100 types of cancers; any part of the body can be affected.

In 2005, 7.6 million people died of cancer – 13% of the 58 million deaths worldwide.

More than 70% of all cancer deaths occur in low and middle income countries.

Worldwide, the five most common types of cancer that kill men are (in order of frequency)

  • lung
  • stomach
  • liver
  • colorectal
  • esophagus

Worldwide, the five most common types of cancer that kill women are (in order of frequency)

  • breast
  • lung
  • stomach
  • colorectal
  • cervical

Tobacco use is the single largest preventable cause of cancer in the world.

One fifth of all cancers worldwide are caused by a chronic infection, for example human papillomavirus (HPV) causes cervical cancer and hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes liver cancer.

A third of cancers could be cured if detected early and treated adequately.

All patients in need of pain relief could be helped if current knowledge about pain control and palliative care were applied.

40% of cancer could be prevented, mainly by not using tobacco, having a healthy diet, being physically active and preventing infections that may cause cancer.

*As reported by the World Health Organization