Pfizer recognizes "World Cancer Day"

Cancer accounts for one in eight deaths globally - more than AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria combined. One in three people will get cancer in their lifetime: each year, more than 11 million new cases of cancer are diagnosed and close to 8 million people die from cancer. Among women worldwide, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death.

According to the WHO, smokers are some 22 times more likely to develop lung cancer than non-smokers; smoking causes about 90% of lung cancer cases in men and 80% in women. In an effort to provide support for smokers to break their lethal addiction and focus on combating the human and economic cost of disease through prevention and wellness, Pfizer developed the first new nicotine-free prescription cessation treatment Champix (Varenicline).

Nevertheless, Pfizer's new grants support the global commitment to promote access to quality health care and education and to advance science and innovation in the development of breakthrough medicines that will cure or control cancer. Since 2007, 29 Global Health Partnerships grants have been awarded to NGOs working in more than 46 countries around the world.

The Pfizer Foundation Global Health Partnership program is supporting 29 innovative public health programs together with Pfizer Inc offices in support of both cancer and tobacco control by providing $47m in funding over four years.
Jointly funded by the Pfizer Foundation and Pfizer Inc, this year's $7m investment in oncology will help cancer organizations to improve prevention, early detection and diagnosis for breast cancer; strengthen public awareness of cancer risks; increase patients' knowledge and understanding of treatment options, with a special focus on psycho-social factors; and engage in long-term capacity building efforts through training, technical assistance, and collaborative partnerships.