Global cancer burden and the urgency of rigorous cancer control

Cancer is increasing worldwide and mainly because of the increase in life expectancy it is projected that the number of annually newly diagnosed cancer cases raises from 17.0 million today to 27.5 million in 2040, an increase by 61.4%, that must be reversed. From evaluations of the carcinogenicity of substances it is estimated that about 40% of today’s cancers are preventable, but implementation of primary prevention needs to be more rigorous and structured. Occupational cancers resulting from workplace exposures account for an estimated 3-5% of the total cancer burden and are among the preventable ones. The present review gives an overview of global cancer statistics, successful cancer control measures through primary and secondary prevention, and the role of occupational hygiene in reducing the occupational cancer burden.