MUST READ: 10 facts you should know about cancer

Here are some major facts about the fast-killing cancer infection.
Fact one

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


Fact 2

In 2008, 7.6 million people died of cancer - 13% of all deaths worldwide.


Fact three

About 70% of all cancer deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.


Fact four


Worldwide, the 5 most common types of cancer that kill men are (in order of frequency): lung, stomach, liver, colorectal and oesophagus.


Fact 5
Worldwide, the 5 most common types of cancer that kill women are (in the order of frequency): breast, lung, stomach, colorectal and cervical. In many developing countries, cervical cancer is the most common cancer.

Fact 6
Tobacco use is the single largest preventable cause of cancer in the world causing 22% of cancer deaths.

Fact seven

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.
Fact 8
Cancers of major public health relevance such as breast, cervical and colorectal cancer can be cured if detected early and treated adequately.
Fact 9
All patients in need of pain relief could be helped if current knowledge about pain control and palliative care were applied.
Fact 10
More than 30% of cancer could be prevented, mainly by not using tobacco, having a healthy diet, being physically active and moderating the use of alcohol. In developing countries up to 20% of cancer deaths could be prevented by immunization against the infection of HBV and HPV.

Sourced from WHO