UICC World Cancer Congress 2006

Objective: In 2006 cancer will account for 8 million deaths, and without action this figure will rise by over 20% in the next 10 years. The major causes of cancer are known. If they were eliminated, at least 40% of cancer related deaths could be avoided. This presentation analyzes major obstacles in cancer prevention, and argues that the issue should be dealt with at the political and policy level.

Methods: It is now well known, that intersectoral strategies are necessary to create supportive environments in which risks such as unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and tobacco use can be reduced. However, this approach provokes major debates. Two comprehensive strategies will be discussed. The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) provides a comprehensive mix of evidence-based interventions for tobacco control aimed at reducing the demand for and supply of tobacco products and at protecting populations from exposure to tobacco smoke. The WHO Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health (GSDP) provides a toolbox of policies based on a combination of population-wide and individual approaches. The obstacles facing both strategies are analysed.

Results: There are similarities in how both strategies are challenged by interest groups and how the role of governments in disease prevention is discussed. However, these obstacles can be surmounted by involving key stakeholders such as non-governmental organizations and professional medical organizations. Prevention policy can only be effective if the social and economic dimensions of behavioral risks are targeted, like they have been in the WHO FCTC and the GSDP.