Allen S. Lichter, MD, the chief executive officer of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), describes the importance of the UN conference on non-communicable disease (NCD). He mentions this is only the second time the UN has a held a meeting on a health issue. He goes on to mention that 2/3 of deaths around the world are related to non-communicable diseases. Cancer alone accounts for more deaths than malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis combined.
The UN's focus on this critical problem is crucial because it affects economies, political systems, and the ability to develop human resources. The cancer burden that is placed on the world can be prevented through programs to stop smoking and vaccines that help prevent cervical and liver cancer, which are often lacking in third world countries.
