The UN World Health Organization (WHO) is warning that this planet could face a “tidal wave” of cancer cases in the next two decades.  The 57 percent rise is an imminent “human disaster” that will require a renewed focus on prevention to combat.

Cancer is now the number one killer in Australia – surpassing heart disease – according to the WHO report.  40,000 Aussies were among the 8.2 million global citizens who died from cancer in 2012.  One of the report's editors, Dr. Bernard Stewart from the University of New South Wales says human behavior is behind the rising numbers, including the sunbathe “until you're cooked evenly on both sides” culture.

New cancer cases will skyrocket globally from an estimated 14 million in 2012 to 22 million new cases a year within the next two decades, the report says.  During that same period, cancer deaths are predicted to rise from an estimated 8.2 million annually to 13 million a year.

“The global cancer burden is increasing and quite markedly, due predominately to the ageing of the populations and population growth,” said Chris Wild, the director of the WHO's International Agency for Research on Cancer.  “If we look at the cost of treatment of cancers, it is spiraling out of control, even for the high-income countries.  Prevention is absolutely critical and it's been somewhat neglected.”

The good news is that cancer is eminently preventable.  Put out the cigarettes.  Don’t sunbathe.  Switch to a diet packed with vegetables, fruit, and wholegrains.  Cut down on alcohol and red meat, and stop eating processed meat.