United in prevention: IDF supports World Cancer Day
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a global health emergency threatening the lives of hundreds of millions of people. The four NCDs - cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and respiratory disease - are by far the leading causes of mortality in the world, responsible for 35 million deaths a year, 28 million of which occur in low and middle-income countries. Many of these premature deaths are avoidable.
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) welcomes the focus of World Cancer Day 2010 on prevention. Proven solutions now exist to save millions of lives and prevent premature death from NCDs in many countries by implementing simple and effective interventions to reduce tobacco use, unhealthy diets, physical activity and harmful use of alcohol, and by strengthening health care for people with NCDs, with a special focus on primary health care.
An integrated international approach is required to slow the increasing NCD epidemic. Cost-effective prevention efforts that encourage increased exercise, healthier diets, and decreased tobacco use must be central to our response and governments and international stakeholders are beginning to make progress in responding to these challenges. However, much more action is required.
IDF has partnered with the International Union Against Cancer and the World Heart Federation to push for urgent international action to combat the global epidemic of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Campaigns like World Cancer Day on February 4 and World Diabetes Day on November 14 are effective means of encouraging awareness of the key issues, forging relevant alliances and lobbying for appropriate change.
Together, we can achieve a more effective global response to the burden of NCDs.
Ann Keeling
Chief Executive Officer, International Diabetes Federation
