Infection fight for Cancer Day

Thursday February 4th, 2010

The bugs that can cause cancer are the focus of World Cancer Day today.

Campaigners want to build on the success of the new HPV vaccine in preventing cervical cancer.

World-wide 26 per cent of cases of cancer in developing countries are said to be caused by infection - compared with eight per cent in wealthier nations.

Cary Adams, of the International Union against Cancer (UICC), said: "The possibilities offered by prevention calls for increased awareness of how some infections can lead to cancer.

"Policy-makers around the world have the opportunity and obligation to use these vaccines to save people's lives and educate their communities towards lifestyle choices and control measures that reduce their risk of cancer."

President Professor David Hill said: "Of the 12 million people who are diagnosed with cancer each year around 20 per cent of cases can be attributed to viral and bacterial infections that either directly cause or increase the risk of cancer."

Dr Ala Alwan, of the World Health Organisation, called for "comprehensive and coordinated national initiatives."

In Britain campaigners stressed the need to prevent hard to treat cancers, such as kidney cancer.

Nick Turkentine, of the James Whale Fund for Kidney Cancer, said: "Since there are so few options for Kidney Cancer patients when it comes to treatment?it is?very important for us to stress the need that we all need to try and live healthier lifestyles.

"By spreading the word we hope to significantly reduce the number affected by the disease. There are serious risks to the kidneys just by smoking."

Tags: Cancer | UK News | World Health

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