What to read after World Cancer Report?

With more than 10 million new cases every year, cancer has become one of the most devastating diseases worldwide. The causes and types of cancer vary in different geographical regions, but in most countries, there is hardly a family without a cancer victim. The disease burden is immense, not only for affected individuals but also for their relatives and friends. At the community level, cancer poses considerable challenges for the health care systems in poor and rich countries alike. "World Cancer Report" provides a unique global view of cancer. It documents the frequency of cancer in different countries and trends in cancer incidence and mortality as well as describing the known causes of human cancer. The molecular and cellular basis of the multi-step process of malignant transformation is concisely summarized. The report contains an overview of cancer prevention, including screening programs for early diagnosis, as well as advances in surgical and medical oncology, including novel drugs targeting tumor-specific signaling pathways. The efforts of the World Health Organization in the fight against cancer are detailed, together with strategies for cancer control. "World Cancer Report" provides a comprehensive overview of cancer for all health care professionals and the general reader. Information is presented concisely with more than 500 color photographs, diagrams, and tables. Cancer is a devastating disease - but largely preventable. Its impact can be reduced through basic research and improvements in treatment and care. World Cancer Report presents opportunities for action at the individual, community and national level.