World Heart Federation statement of support for World Cancer Day 2009
The World Heart Federation fully supports the International Union Against Cancer’s theme for World Cancer Day, taking place on 4 February 2009. “I love my healthy active childhood”, calls on families, health professionals, educators and policymakers to promote health and prevent cancer by adopting and advocating a health energy-balanced lifestyle for children, thereby reducing their risk. By focusing on “Today’s children, tomorrow’s world”, another positive step is being taken in the global fight against non-communicable diseases, and towards loosing the label “the leading cause of death worldwide”.
Tackling the global burden of chronic non-communicable disease, which includes cardiovascular disease, cancers, diabetes, and chronic respiratory disease, is one of the major challenges facing the 21st century. They cause more than 60% of all deaths globally; killing 35 million people annually. Not only are they the leading cause of death and disability worldwide, but there is an alarming increase in mortality rates in low- and middle-income countries where 80% of deaths occur. The main risk factors being: physical inactivity, obesity and tobacco use.
As populations age in low- and middle-income countries over the next 25 years, the proportion of deaths due to non-communicable diseases will rise significantly. Globally, deaths from cancer will increase from 7.4 million in 2004 to 11.8 million in 2030, and deaths from cardiovascular disease will rise from 17.5 million in 2005 to 23.4 million. These projections show the vital importance of integrated risk control as cancer shares the same preventable risk factors as heart disease and stroke, which is why the World Heart Federation strongly supports World Cancer Day 2009. This campaign has the same awareness building goals as our very own World Heart Day taking place on 27 September 2009; promoting the message that such diseases are preventable if appropriate action is taken.
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