ABSTRACT
Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. According to the World Health Statistics, it accounted for 7.4 million deaths in 2004. This was around 13% of all deaths. Lung, stomach, liver, colon, and breast cancer cause the most cancer deaths each year. Tobacco is the single most important risk factor for cancer. It is suggested that more than 30% of cancer deaths can be prevented. It is estimated that approximately 12 million deaths in 2030 will be attributable to cancer. New Zealand has the highest rate of colon cancer in the world. In New Zealand, colon cancer is the second most common cause of cancer in both men and women [1].
