Jakarta (Antara Bali) - First Lady Ani Yudhoyono has said cancer is not merely a health problem, but also creates a social and economic impact on society.

World Cancer Day provides a good opportunity to look at the impact of cancer, Ani said in her opening speech at a national seminar on cancer, here on Wednesday.

She noted that President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has paid special attention to cancer prevention in the country.

"According to the president, the government, through the health ministry, continues to try to manage health problems, including cancer. Therefore, the president hopes various parties could support us to reduce the fatality rate of cancer," she said.

Around 12 million people contract cancer annually, and 7.6 million of them die. About 13 percent of the world's deaths are caused by cancer. If it is not controlled, some 26 million people will develop cancer and 17 million of them might die, particularly in developing countries such as Indonesia.(IGT)

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Editor : Masuki


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