Ladies, gentlemen and distinguished guests

　　It is a great honour and pleasure for me to be here in Chongqing, China at the start of the 19th National Cancer Public Education Week. I hope that all of those involved in the week have a successful and impactful few days.

　　The burden of cancer continues to grow around the world. This year approximately 12 million people will hear the words “you have cancer” and about 8 million people will die. In some parts of the world, 1 in 2 people will develop cancer in their lifetime and overall, the number is about 1 in 3. In China, 20 million people will die of cancer this year, and this number is expected to rise to triple by 2030.

　　Science has played a significant role in the last 30 years helping us understand the causes of cancer, improve the way we detect it, and most importantly given us the ability to treat it well, when it is detected early. The 5 year survival rates for some cancers like breast and testicular cancer are now well over 80%, but for others, like lung, pancreatic and liver cancer, the 5 year survival rates remain stubbornly low.

　　Science has also revealed the major causes of cancer. Alcohol, a poor diet and physical inactivity all contribute to the growing burden, but two modifiable risk factors dominate around the world – tobacco and cancer causing infections and viruses.

　　The average smoker lives 10 years less than a non-smoker. Approximately 50% of all smokers will develop lung cancer or another serious lung illness. As a result 100 million people died prematurely in the last century from tobacco related illnesses. That number will be 1 billion in this century, and, I am afraid to say, a significant number will be in China, given the very high levels of smoking in this country.

　　Cervical cancer, liver cancer, stomach and bowel cancer have all been linked to viruses and infections. For some we have vaccinations which are extremely effective if given to the correct population at the appropriate time. Cervical cancer is unique in this respect, in that we can give young girls the HPV vaccination and in so doing, prevent more than 70% of all cervical cancer.

　　The UICC is the largest international cancer federation in the world. I am proud to lead an organisation which has been in place since 1933, and which today, has more than 750 cancer organisations from 140 countries as members, including CACA. We are based in Geneva, Switzerland and on behalf of our members we advocate for cancer to be on the global political health agenda and we run many of the world’s largest cancer events.

　　In 2010, I was privileged to be with Dr Hao and his many colleagues in Shenzhen at the UICC World Cancer Congress. It was a wonderful week of international learning. More than 3,000 delegates from 110 countries met to share ideas and information on how we “prevent the preventable, treat the treatable and put in place systems” which make a difference in the fight against cancer. That Congress is still having an impact around the world.

　　At the heart of the UICC and its members vision is the World Cancer Declaration. This was published in 2008 and it is as relevant today as it was then. The cancer community at that time called on all countries to take specific actions to achieve 11 cancer Targets – which, in combination, deliver a comprehensive and effective national cancer control agenda.

　　Every country should measure its cancer burden. Develop national cancer control plans. Address the key modifiable risk factors. Invest in early detection and treatment and deliver, in time, reductions in cancer incidence and improved survival rates.

　　I know that CACA, under the leadership of Dr Hao, has played a significant role in China, working diligently with their partners to raise awareness of cancer and help put in place the components required to give hope to all Chinese people that cancer can be brought under control. Everyone in this room has a role to play in that endeavour.

　　The UICC intends to continue to raise awareness of cancer globally. We use World Cancer Day to inform journalists around the world of the myths and misconceptions of cancer. Our most recent campaign “Cancer – did you know?” on February 4th this year reached over 5 billion people through all media channels, and for the first time we witnessed a very active on-line social media campaign which touched the younger generation particularly.

　　I am delighted to say that World Cancer Day is becoming a day used by many to raise awareness of cancer and it supplements other days and weeks like this one, run by cancer organisations around the world. We cannot change the world’s view of cancer through one day in February alone. We need all countries to talk about cancer regularly.

　　I would like to finish by stressing a couple of points.

　　Firstly, for many, cancer is a plague of our generation which feels as if it is out of control. It takes from each of us a loved one, friend or family member, often at an age when they have so much life to look forward to. The word “cancer” itself is feared. It is our job to show people that cancer can be brought under control. But it will take global, national and local commitment to make this happen. What you are doing here is very important and I congratulate you for arranging this week of cancer awareness.

　　Secondly, cancer is a global issue and we have so much to learn off each other. I encourage all of you to see yourselves as part of that global community and call on it to help you, whilst simultaneously, looking outside your own borders to bring expertise and resources to those countries which are severely under-resourced to deal with challenge which cancer is causing them. And in so doing, China will be a true world leader in the fight against cancer.

　　Thank you