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Cancer

WHO/C.de Bode

Cancer is the uncontrolled growth and spread of cells. It can affect almost any part of the body. The growths often invade surrounding tissue and can metastasize to distant sites. 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.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Fact sheet: cancer

Q&A
Are the number of cancer cases increasing or decreasing in the world?

MULTIMEDIA

Fact file
Ten facts about cancer

Feature
Photo stories: Facing cancer

RELATED TOPICS

- Chronic diseases
- Diet and physical activity
- Tobacco
- Chronic respiratory diseases
- Reproductive health
- Ultraviolet radiation

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Prevention of cancer

Screening and early detection

- More about cancer

PUBLICATIONS

Fight against cancer: strategies that prevent, cure and care [pdf 2.69Mb]

Cancer control: knowledge into action

- More publications about cancer

STATISTICS

What is the impact of cancer in your country?

WHO/ICO (Institut Català d'Oncologia) Information Centre on HPV and Cervical Cancer

WHO PROGRAMMES AND ACTIVITIES

Cancer

International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)

CANCER IN WHO REGIONS

Region of the Americas
European Region
Eastern Mediterranean Region
Western Pacific Region

WHO 60th anniversary

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