The IAEA will mark World Cancer Day on Monday, 4 February 2013 with an event to raise awareness about the nature of cancer in low and middle-income countries. This year's Did You Know? theme for World Cancer Day is an opportunity to improve general knowledge about cancer and to dispel misconceptions of the disease.

IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano and Professor Tezer Kutluk, President-Elect of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), are among the high-level officials expected to speak at the event, to be held from 12:30-13:30 on the M-Building Ground Floor of the Vienna International Centre. Journalists are invited to the event, which will feature additional speakers and refreshments to follow.

Journalists are also invited to a talk on Global Pediatric Cancer Control, by Professor Kutluk, to be held from 15:00 to 16:00 in Room M1 of the Vienna International Centre.

Among the most persistent myths about cancer is that it only affects high-income, developed countries. Yet cancer affects us all, no matter the resource setting. Seventy percent of the 10 million deaths caused by cancer each year occur in low and middle-income countries.

The IAEA works with its Member States to improve access to radiotherapy and nuclear medicine and strengthen national cancer control programmes. Since 1980, the IAEA has delivered more than US$260 million worth of cancer-related assistance to low and middle-income countries, providing both equipment and training.

Accreditation:

Journalists with permanent accreditation to the VIC need no further credentials. We encourage those journalists who do not yet have permanent accreditation, to request it at UNIS Vienna. All others must seek accreditation by contacting the IAEA Press Office; tel: [43-1] 2600-21273).

You are required to bring a valid press ID card.