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Fast facts

What is the World Cancer Declaration?

  • Launched in 2006 and revised in 2008, the World Cancer Declaration is a call to action to substantially reduce the global cancer burden by 2020.
  • It was developed by international cancer control advocates to bring the cancer crisis to the attention of policymakers worldwide.
  • It lays out an ambitious set of 11 targets and action plan to stop and reverse current trends.
  • It was unanimously adopted at the World Leader’s Summit of policymakers, leaders & health experts during the 2008 World Cancer Congress in Geneva, Switzerland. UICC is the “custodian” of the World Cancer Declaration and prioritizes development of a comprehensive response.

Why is it important?

  • Cancer kills more people than AIDS, Malaria, and TB combined and the death toll is set to rise dramatically in the coming decades.
  • Two-thirds of cancer-related deaths occur in countries where resources available for cancer control are limited or nonexistent.
  • Without significant improvement, over 17 million people are projected to succumb from this disease by 2030.
  • Many cancers can be prevented – by reducing tobacco and alcohol consumption, decreasing exposure to carcinogens, implementing vaccination programmes and promoting healthy lifestyles.
  • Many cancers can be cured if detected early and treated appropriately.

How can governments and health agencies support the Declaration?

  • Create national taskforces to address the Declaration.
  • Develop templates for regional/national Declarations with more precise definition of needs and targets.
  • Develop effective national cancer control plans that support acheivement of the 11 targets.
  • Improve or develop effective tracking systems and cancer registries.
  • Support changes in health policy and legislation to facilitate work on the 11 targets and improved cancer control.

How can individuals and organisations support the Declaration?

  • Sign the Declaration 
  • Become a Declaration partner.
  • Encourage other individuals & organisations to endorse the Declaration.
  • Encourage local & national media coverage on the Declaration.
  • Develop advocacy campaigns focused on the Declaration.
  • Develop translations of the Declaration in your native language.
  • Develop and/or review national adaptations of the Declaration.