The World Health Organization, in a report released this week, warned that new cancer cases and cancer deaths will surpass those of heart disease by 2010 thus becoming the number one killer worldwide.  

The report said the rate at which new cancers are diagnosed is expected to grow by 1 percent annually, as are deaths from the disease. There have been 12 million new cancer diagnoses worldwide this year and 7 million people are expected to die from it. The report estimates there will be 20 million to 26 million new diagnoses and 13 million to 17 million deaths by 2030. And by 2010, cancer is expected to bypass heart disease as the leading killer globally.

The report blamed smoking for this dramatic increase in cancer diagnoses and deaths. Ninety percent of lung cancer cases have as cause smoking. The report found that about 1.3 billion people smoke globally. Unless something is done to prevent smoking, tobacco will kill a billion people in the 21st century. People shall be aware that once started, they can hardly put an end to this deadly habit.

Other factors contributing to this increase in cancer diagnoses and deaths include high-fat diets such as fast food and decreased physical activity, in other words the western lifestyle that has gained ground in recent years. Also, too much alcohol, exposure to sunlight and obesity predispose people to various forms of cancer. Recent studies have shown a clear link between obesity and cancer risk, both in developing and fighting the disease.

Keeping this in mind, we shall always take care of ourselves and be more responsible for our health. We should eat healthy, exercise more and encourage good habits in people we love. What’s more? Quit smoking!