A commitment to reduce cases of cancer by a quarter by 2025 has been made at a world cancer leaders' summit in Dublin today.
The 'Dublin Resolution' was signed by international cancer leaders, including 240 government representatives from around the world.
The event is being hosted by the Irish Cancer Society and its chief executive John McCormack said that by adopting lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake and eating healthily, everyone can reduce their cancer risk.
He added: "The World Cancer Leaders' Summit reminds us that we need to constantly refresh and reinvigorate our strategies to reduce cancer incidence in Ireland.
"Setting and meeting targets that will ultimately improve our people's health and quality of life while cutting healthcare costs, is critical to Ireland's leadership role in cancer control."
Over 20,000 new cancer cases are diagnosed in Ireland each year and 7,500 people die from the disease.
Today's agreement means Ireland must reduce cancer cases by over 5,000 a year, by the resolution deadline, based on current figures.
The resolution spells out actions governments need to take, including prevention, early detection, treatment and care.
Head of the International Cancer Control Union Cary Adams said: "It is unacceptable that millions of people worldwide still suffer unnecessarily and die prematurely from cancer.
"To give the world the best chance of dramatically reducing the cancer epidemic, UICC urges world leaders to support the commitments of the Dublin Resolution by promoting sustainable resourcing and measurable targets for cancer in their countries."
