Reducing tobacco consumption can decrease worldwide effects of cancer

By tackling tobacco consumption in the world's poorest countries, the number of cancer deaths across the world could fall.

This is according to a new study published in the Science of Translational Medicine Journal, which included the findings of the first ever meeting between senior executives of cancer research organisations across the world.

Dr Harpal Kumar, Cancer Research UK’s chief executive and Dr Harold Varmus, director of the National Cancer Institute in the USA, are two of the individuals calling on governments to place their citizens' health over the profits they receive from tobacco companies.

Recommended measures include placing higher taxes on the sale of tobacco products, guaranteeing health professionals set a good example by stopping smoking and defending the world's poorest countries from increased marketing.

Dr Kumar said: "This is the first time leading research organisations across the world have come together to consider how best to address the rapidly growing global burden of cancer. The number of people diagnosed with cancer across the world is increasing.

"But there are clear actions that all countries can take which will go a long way to reducing both the numbers diagnosed from cancer and deaths from the disease."

Other recommendations include ensuring there are national cancer plans as well as suitable cancer registration in all countries, and improving the funding available for treatment.

The authors believe more needs to be done to provide optimal access and uptake of the HPV vaccine, which aims to stop cervical cancer from affecting high numbers of people.

The report has also called for more research into vaccines for other infections that cause cancer, including hepatitis C and the Epstein-Barr viruses.

Across the world, 12.7 million people are diagnosed with cancer each year, with over 15 per cent of the world's annual deaths.

Posted by Ben Evans