The World Health Organization (WHO) warned Tuesday that without urgent action, global cancer deaths would increase from 7.6 million this year to 17 million by 2030.

Cancer is a major killer in both developed and developing countries, and accounts for one eighth of deaths worldwide, more than AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria combined, Manila-based Regional Office of Western Pacific said on the eve of the World Cancer Day, which falls on Feb. 4 each year.

But, WHO said, more than 30 percent of all cancers can be prevented through simple measures such as no tobacco use, a healthy diet and exercise, limiting alcohol consumption, and protection against cancer-causing infections. Some cancers can be detected early, treated and cured.

The campaign slogan for this year is "Cancer can be prevented too".

In the Western Pacific region, it is estimated that in 2008 close to 3.7 million new cases occurred--2.2 million in men and 1. 5 million in women. Nearly 2.6 million people in the Region died from cancer that year.

"There is a universal fear of cancer," said WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, Dr Shin Young-soo. "But, with the right frame of mind, and by taking appropriate action, some cancers can be averted or cured."

For instance, smoking is the single largest preventable cause of cancer. By avoiding this risk factor and encouraging healthy behavior, such as regular exercise and eating healthily, people can significantly reduce the risk of developing the disease.

Each year, over 12 million people are diagnosed with cancer. If no action is taken, WHO warned that the worldwide cancer burden is projected to grow significantly, with the most rapid increases occurring in low- and medium-income countries.

(Xinhua News Agency February 2, 2010)