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New Reference Guides for Global Health Professionals and Policy Makers Released at 2006 International Cancer and Tobacco Control Conferences

Posted on: Monday, 10 July 2006, 15:00 CDT

WASHINGTON, July 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Three leading global public health organizations today released two new reference guides for global health professionals working in cancer and tobacco control. The Cancer Atlas and The Tobacco Atlas were launched at the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) World Cancer Congress 2006, which began on July 8 in Washington, D.C., and concludes July 12. The atlases provide current statistical information on cancer and tobacco use around the world, including useful educational information for health professionals and policy makers. The atlases, which are the only reference materials of their kind, are currently available in English, Spanish and French, and a Chinese version will be available later this year.

The first edition of The Cancer Atlas provides compelling, evidence-based data to help cancer control experts worldwide combat the disease locally, nationally and globally. The Cancer Atlas contrasts the global cancer burden by nation and highlights key statistics, including:

* The global burden of cancer is not only increasing but is shifting from developed to developing nations. * The risk of getting cancer is higher in the developed world but cancers in the developing worlds are more fatal. * In 2002, there were an estimated 11 million new cancer cases and nearly 7 million deaths worldwide. If action is taken now, two million lives can be saved each year by 2020 and 6.5 million by 2040.

"The first-ever Cancer Atlas contains the most current data and strategies available in addressing cancer prevention and control activities," said Eddie Reed, M.D., director of the Division of Cancer Prevention and Control at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "We encourage public health professionals, policy makers, and individuals to include this most important resource in their efforts to decrease the burden of cancer worldwide."

The second edition of The Tobacco Atlas highlights significant developments in tobacco control since the last edition was released in 2002. For example, more countries passed legislation banning tobacco promotion, requiring health warnings and creating smoke-free areas in public places. In addition, other countries increased taxes, expanded national tobacco control capacity and analyzed tobacco industry documents. Despite these new developments, more tobacco control efforts are still needed.

"Since the first edition of The Tobacco Atlas was published in 2002, there have been several significant developments, including the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), new research and new initiatives -- especially in developing countries," said Judith Mackay, MBChB, senior policy advisor to the WHO. "Yet, despite this progress and mostly due to population increases, the number of smokers and the number of tobacco-related deaths is rising."

Some key global statistics featured in The Tobacco Atlas include: * Tobacco is the only consumer product proven to kill more than half its regular users, with more than half of those deaths occurring between the ages 30 and 69. * Tobacco use killed one hundred million people in the 20th century, and, if current trends continue, will kill one billion people in the next century. * Almost 1 billion men (35 percent of men in developed countries and 50 percent in developing countries) and 250 million women (22 percent of women in developed countries and 9 percent in developing countries) smoke cigarettes. * If adult cigarette consumption is reduced by just 50 percent worldwide, we could avert more than 300 million needless deaths within the next 50 years.

"As we take necessary steps towards reducing and possibly ending mortality from tobacco use and cancer, the need for comprehensive statistics that address these issues is apparent," said John Seffrin, Ph.D., chief executive officer of the American Cancer Society and immediate past president of UICC. "The atlases will be an indispensable resource for health professionals and policy makers who are concerned about the state of cancer and tobacco use around the world."

The Cancer Atlas is a publication of the American Cancer Society in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer, and the International Union Against Cancer (UICC). The Tobacco Atlas is a publication of the American Cancer Society in collaboration with the UICC, with additional support from the Western Pacific Regional Office of the World Health Organization, Georgia State University, and the Georgia Cancer Coalition.

To purchase The Cancer Atlas or The Tobacco Atlas, call 1.800.ACS.2345, or shop online at http://www.cancer.org/bookstore. For more information on the conferences, visit http://www.2006conferences.org/.

About the American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy, and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 13 regional Divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States. For more information anytime, call toll free 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit http://www.cancer.org/.

About the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is a leader in nationwide cancer prevention and control, working with national organizations, state health agencies, and other key groups to develop, implement, and promote effective cancer prevention and control practices.

About the International Union Against Cancer (UICC)

UICC is the only international non-governmental organization that is dedicated exclusively to the global control of cancer. Its vision is of a world where cancer is eliminated as a major life-threatening disease for future generations.

UICC's mission is to build and lead the global community engaged in sharing and exchanging cancer control knowledge and competence equitably, transferring scientific findings to clinical settings, systematically reducing and eventually eliminating disparities in prevention, early detection, treatment and care of cancers, and delivering the best possible care to all cancer patients.

With over 270 member organizations in more than 80 countries, UICC is a resource for action and a voice for change. UICC brings together a wide range of organizations, including voluntary cancer societies, research and treatment centers, public health authorities, patient support networks and advocacy groups, and in some countries, the Ministry of Health.

American Cancer Society

CONTACT: Becky Steinmark of American Cancer Society, cell:+1-678-613-6892; or Bobbi Williams of Porter Novelli, +1-202-973-3656, cell:+1-202-277-4102, for American Cancer Society

Web site: http://www.cancer.org/bookstorehttp://www.2006conferences.org/http://www.cancer.org/

Source: PRNewswire

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