Publications

Cancer is being diagnosed more and more frequently in the developing world. The recent World Health Organization report, Preventing chronic diseases: a vital investment, projected that over 7.5 million people would die of cancer in 2005, and that over 70% of these deaths would be in low- and middle-income countries. The importance of the challenge posed by cancer was reiterated by the World Health Assembly in 2005, in Resolution 58.22 on Cancer Prevention and Control, which emphasized the need for comprehensive and integrated action to stop this global epidemic.

Cervical cancer is the second most common type of cancer among women, and was responsible for over 250 000 deaths in 2005, approximately 80% of which occurred in developing countries. Without urgent action, deaths due to cervical cancer are projected to rise by almost 25% over the next 10 years. Prevention of these deaths by adequate screening and treatment (as recommended in this Guide) will contribute to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.