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Cancer

    Overview

    Cancer is the uncontrolled growth and spread of cells that arises from a change in one single cell. The change may be started by external agents and/or inherited genetic factors and can affect almost any part of the body. The transformation from a normal cell into a tumour cell is a multistage process where growths often invade surrounding tissue and can metastasize to distant sites. These changes result from the interaction between a person’s genetic factors and any of 3 categories of external agents:

    • physical carcinogens, such as ultraviolet and ionizing radiation or asbestos;
    • chemical carcinogens, such as vinyl chloride, or betnapthylamine (both rated by the International Agency for Research into Cancer as carcinogenic), components of tobacco smoke, aflatoxin (a food contaminant) and arsenic (a drinking-water contaminant); and
    • biological carcinogens, such as infections from certain viruses, bacteria or parasites.

    Most chemicals to which people are exposed in everyday life have not been tested for their long-term impact on human health.

    Many cancers can be prevented by avoiding exposure to common risk factors, such as tobacco smoke. In addition, a significant proportion of cancers can be cured, by surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy, especially if they are detected early.

    Impact

    Cancer is the most important cause of death and morbidity in Europe after cardiovascular diseases. With more than 3.7 million new cases and 1.9 million deaths each year, cancer represents the second most important cause of death and morbidity in Europe.

    WHO response

    WHO/Europe assists countries to develop national programmes for cancer control. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is the WHO body that specializes in this field. It coordinates and conducts research on causes and develops scientific strategies for cancer prevention and control.

    20%

    The percentage of deaths caused by cancer in the European Region

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    Supporting the prevention, detection and treatment of cervical cancer

    Supporting the prevention, detection and treatment of cervical cancer

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    Overview

    Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause of cervical cancer. It is a highly contagious infection that is transmitted through sexual or skin-to-skin contact; 80% of sexually active women get it at some point in their lives. There are over 100 types of HPV, but 2 – types 16 and 18 – cause 70% of cancers. The HPV vaccine is almost 100% effective in preventing most HPV infections that may result in pre-cancer and cancer.

    Cervical cancer is among the most preventable cancers: besides being prevented through HPV vaccination, pre-cancerous lesions can easily be detected through screening before they become cancer. When screening detects pre-cancerous lesions, these can be treated and cancer avoided. Screening can also detect cancer at an early stage when treatment has a high potential for cure.

    Despite the advances of screening and vaccinations, today more than 30 000 women die from cervical cancer in the WHO European Region every year. It remains the third most common cancer among women under 44 years of age. Given the technology and development levels in the Region, women have a right to be protected from this disease. Introducing the HPV vaccine more widely, in combination with cervical screening, has the potential to save many lives, particularly among younger women.

    Coordinated approach to cervical cancer

    WHO supports a comprehensive approach to preventing, detecting and treating cervical cancer. This requires providing effective interventions to women throughout their lives, starting in childhood. These interventions include community education, social mobilization, HPV vaccination, screening, treatment and palliative care. To achieve this, national health programmes (particularly for immunization, reproductive health, cancer control and adolescent health), organizations and partners must work together.

    Cervical screening is still needed for women who have been vaccinated, to help prevent the cervical cancers not targeted by the HPV vaccine. Cervical cancer screening should always be implemented as part of a pathway, where treatment is included.

    Multimedia

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    Publications

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    Avoidable mortality, risk factors and policies for tackling noncommunicable diseases – leveraging data for impact: monitoring commitments in the WHO European Region ahead of the Fourth United Nations High-Level Meeting
    The report notes that, in order to tackle NCDs and address the commercial, social, environmental and digital determinants of health, there is a need for...
    Review of the Republic of Moldova's approach to noncommunicable diseases during the emergency response to the 2022 influx of Ukrainian refugees

    The scale of the refugee influx in 2022 following the outbreak of war in Ukraine was unprecedented; it resulted in substantial health needs for the affected...

    Alcohol health warning labels: a public health perspective for Europe

    In the European Union the per capita alcohol consumption among adults (‎15+ years)‎ in 2019 was twice the world average, with one in 19 adults...

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    The clock is ticking. With just five years left to achieve 2030 Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.4 of reducing premature deaths from noncommunicable...

    In too many countries, the majority of women are diagnosed too late, multidisciplinary treatment and follow-up care are suboptimal, and supportive and...

    Related WHO collaborating centres

    WHO collaborating centres are institutions that form an international collaborative network carrying out activities to support WHO’s programmes at all levels. They provide an opportunity for WHO to utilize their inherent expertise for the benefit of all Member States.

    View the list of related collaborating centres