In the Republic of Moldova, 53,000 people have been diagnosed with different types of cancer. A year ago, the figure was by about 5,000 lower. More than 6,000 persons in Moldova die annually from cancer. The data were presented by the National Public Health Center in connection with World Cancer Day that is celebrated yearly on February 4, IPN reports.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Moldova, after cardiovascular diseases. Since 2012, the number of deaths from cancer has increased. The excessive use of fat, sugar and salt, the low fruit and vegetable intake, alcohol abuse and physical inactivity determine over 30% of the deaths caused by digestive system, breast or prostate cancers.

The goal of the national cancer control program for 2016-2025 is to reduce the number of premature deaths from cancer by 7%. According to the National Public Health Center, more than one third of these deaths can be prevented if the disease is detected on time.

Globally, over 8.8 million people die annually from cancer. Some 4 million are premature deaths, in persons aged between 30 and 69. During the next ten years, the number of deaths from cancer is expected to rise to over 14 million a year.