Targets by 2020

• Sustainable delivery systems will be in place to ensure that effective cancer control programmes are available in all countries,
• The measurement of the global cancer burden and the impact of cancer control interventions will have improved significantly,
• Global tobacco consumption, obesity and alcohol intake levels will have fallen significantly,
• Populations in the areas affected by HPV and HBV will be covered by universal vaccination programmes,
• Public attitudes towards cancer will improve and damaging myths and misconceptions about the disease will be dispelled,
• Many more cancers will be diagnosed when still localized through the provision of screening and early detection programmes and high levels of public and professional awareness about important cancer warning signs,
• Access to accurate cancer diagnosis, appropriate cancer treatments, supportive care, rehabilitation services and palliative care will have improved for all patients worldwide,
• Effective pain control measures will be available universally to all cancer patients in pain,
• The number of training opportunities available for health professionals in different aspects of cancer control will have improved significantly,
• Emigration of health workers with specialist training in cancer control will have reduced dramatically,
• There will be major improvements in cancer survival rates in all countries.

These targets are ambitious. During the past few years, however, there is growing evidence that concerted action can make a difference in a short time. We believe, therefore, that the targets can be achieved provided a number of priority actions.