Cancer is a global challenge and leading cause of death worldwide. World Cancer Day on February 4th focuses on debunking cancer myths. The most common cancers are lung, stomach, liver, colon, and breast. Tobacco use is the strongest risk factor, accounting for 22% of cancer deaths. Prevention through healthy lifestyle changes can reduce cancer risk and burden globally.

1. WORLD CANCER DAY
FEBRUARY 4 2013
CANCER
MYTHS
GET THE
FACTS
WORLDCANCERDAY.ORG

2. POWER OF KNOWLEDGE
As the leading cause of death worldwide,
cancer has become a global challenge and a
major health problem as it weakens social
and economic advancements.
On 4 February 2013 World Cancer Day will
focus on debunking damaging myths and
misconceptions about the disease.
WORLDCANCERDAY.ORG

3. GLOBAL FACTS
!
I t i s a
The most common types of cancers are: lung,
stomach, liver, colon and breast cancers. common
misconception
Approximately 30% of worldwide cancer related that cancer
deaths are linked to behavioral and dietary risks: solutions
• high body mass index are too complex
• low fruit and vegetable intake and expensive
• lack of physical activity for developing
• tobacco use countries.
• alcohol use
WORLDCANCERDAY.ORG

4. GLOBAL FACTS
Tobacco use remains the strongest risk factor for
causing cancer worldwide and accounts for 22%
of the related cancer deaths and 71% of lung
cancer deaths.
Other causes include exposure to indoor air
pollution, radiation and excessive sunlight.
WORLDCANCERDAY.ORG

5. LEARN THE TRUTH
!
Myth: Cancer is just a health issue. To d a y
Truth: Cancer is not just a health issue. It has I learned that
wide-reaching social, economic, development
and human rights implications.
cancer
is not only a
disease of the
Myth: Cancer is a disease of the wealthy, elderly elderly: it is a
and developed countries. leading cause
Truth: Cancer does not discriminate. It is a of death in
many countries
global epidemic, affecting all ages, with low-and
for children
middle-income countries bearing a a g e d
disproportionate burden.
5-14.
WORLDCANCERDAY.ORG

6. !
LEARN THE TRUTH For every
Myth: Cancer is a death sentence.
Truth: Many cancers that were once considered
100
people who
a death sentence can now be cured and for
many more people their cancer can now be g e t c a n c e r,
treated effectively. over 30 cases
could have
b e e n
Myth: Cancer is my fate.
prevented by
Truth: With the right strategies, more than one in h e a l t h y
every three cancers can be prevented. lifestyle or by
immunisation
against cancer
c a u s i n g
infections.
WORLDCANCERDAY.ORG

7. REDUCE YOUR RISK
!
What you can do: Addressing
1. Don’t Use Tobacco tobacco use,
which is linked
• Tobacco use, particularly smoking, is the
world’s leading cause of cancer to71% of
all lung cancer
2. Protect you and your children from the sun deaths, and
• Avoid the midday sun and over exposed areas accounts for at
• Use plenty of sunscreen and apply a broad
spectrum UVA/B sunscreen with a minimum
least 22%
SPF 15 at least 30 minutes before exposure of all cancer
deaths
is critical.
WORLDCANCERDAY.ORG

8. REDUCE YOUR RISK
3. Maintain a healthy lifestyle
• Limit alcohol and fat
• Exercise and eat a healthy diet
4. Get Immunized
• Both hepatitis B and the HPV vaccine can
protect against liver and cervical cancers
WORLDCANCERDAY.ORG

9. REDUCE YOUR RISK
!
Prevention is
5. Avoid risky behaviors the most
• Practice safe sex at any age and do not cost-effective
share needles
a n d
sustainable
6. Follow recommended cancer screenings
w a y o f
from the USPTF and your doctor
• Find out your risk for various cancers- click reducing
on the cancer risk calculator from the global
Washington University in St. Louis c a n c e r
burden in the
long-term.
WORLDCANCERDAY.ORG

10. WORKPLACE
COMMITMENT medical
Johnson & Johnson supports
advancements and understands that
prevention, early detection and treatment lead
to improved outcomes for patients.
Johnson & Johnson is among the first
companies to receive accreditation by the
CEO Roundtable on Cancer and earn the
CEO Cancer Gold Standard in recognition of
building a culture of health and wellness,
particularly in the area of cancer prevention
and risk reduction. For more information, click
on CEO Cancer Gold Standard ™.
WORLDCANCERDAY.ORG

11. WORKPLACE “
COMMITMENT Cancer
Janssen Biotech, Inc. is committed to helping
patients and caregivers find credible and will touch us
comprehensive cancer-related information all at some
online. Explore this resource by clicking on point in our
Janssen Biotech, Inc.
lives.
Janssen Biotech, Inc believes that changing Cary Adams,
Chief Executive Officer
lives for the better takes more than medicine.
Union For International
Cancer Control (UICC)
WORLDCANCERDAY.ORG