​A combined effort from country leaders, government officials, cancer advocates, communities and individuals is required to stay ahead of the rising cancer epidemic.

This is according to Prof Vikash Sewram, director of the African Cancer Institute (ACI) at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS), Stellenbosch University, speaking ahead of World Cancer Day on 4 February with the theme: 'We Can, I Can'.

"World Cancer Day has been set aside to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment in support of the 2008 World Cancer Declaration, which calls upon government leaders and health-policy makers to significantly reduce the global cancer burden, promote greater equity, and integrate cancer control into the world health and development agenda," Sewram said.

The latest statistics reveal that in 2011, more than 60 000 South Africans were diagnosed with cancer. The most common cancers in men were prostate, lung and colorectal cancer, while breast, cervical and colorectal cancer were the top three cancers in women.

"Cancer has a significant health impact on the South African population and on the region. Therefore, cancer risk identification and prevention and advancements in early detection and treatment are emerging national health issues that need to be dealt with appropriately in order to improve the quality of life and increase the life expectancy of South Africans and people on the continent at large," said Sewram.

He maintains that strengthening the capacity of the health sector, improving access to treatments and supportive services, research and development are core to any success in understanding and curbing the rising epidemic of cancer.

Most cancers are treatable and some are curable. Yet, cancer rates are on the increase in Africa with approximately 1.3 million new cases expected by 2030 due to an aging population.

"There are huge disparities in health resources (infrastructure, human resources, access to treatment, etc.) that make populations in Africa, including South Africa, extremely vulnerable to developing cancer. More research is also needed in Africa to better inform policy and practice that is relevant to the different countries," says Sewram.

The African Cancer Institute has become a key player in the global fight against cancer through its commitment to research excellence, a committed and inspired faculty and robust partnerships with world renowned research and training institutions as well as advocacy and support groups. These partnerships have ensured that the best minds work cohesively in bringing hope to cancer patients and their families worldwide.

The key messages for World Cancer Day derived from the theme "We Can, I Can" are:

1. Make healthy choices

2. Learn about early detection and be vigilant with respect to screening

3. Ask for support and support others

4. Be myself and take control of my journey

5. Share my story and speak out

What can We do:

1. Prevent cancer

2. Inspire action and take action

3. Challenge perceptions and create healthy environments

4. Improve access to care

5. Build a quality cancer workforce and mobilise networks to drive progress

6. Make a case for investing in cancer control and shaping policy

7. Work together for increased impact