Cancer prevention is the main goal of World Cancer Day 2010, led by the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO).

An estimated 12 million people worldwide received a cancer diagnosis each year and 7.6 million will die of the disease.

Scheduled for February 4, 2010, participating organizations will educate the public on cancer prevention methods. Close to 40% of cancers are potentially preventable through relatively easy lifestyle and health measures including:

Stopping tobacco use and avoiding second-hand smoke

Limiting alcohol consumption

Avoiding excessive sun exposure

Committing to healthy weight through exercise and eating habits

Protecting against cancer-causing infections

World Cancer Day educates the public about the difference types of cancer with a key message, that "Cancer can be prevented, too." Educational information will be available educating the public against smoking, sun exposure and other hazards. Resources and additional information about World Cancer Day can be found on the UICC Web sit at http://www.worldcancercampaign.org.

The five-year program is designed to "raise awareness about the ways we can prevent cancer through the choices we make" according to the organization's Web site. Businesses, individuals, and non-profit organizations will work together on Feb. 4 to distribute information about cancer prevention.

Although much of the literature focuses on anti-smoking lifestyles, the risks of sun exposure and healthy diets and physical activity, other cancer prevention methods will also be discussed. Environmental and workplace toxins can also contribute to deadly forms of cancer, such as

mesothelioma, a rare form of lung cancer.

An additional, but often overlooked cause of lung cancer is asbestos, an insulating fiber related to several life-threatening illnesses and cancer, including mesothelioma, asbestosis and disease of the lining of the lungs. Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, and is often the result of asbestos exposure from 20 or 30 years prior. Unfortunately, the prognosis for many mesothelioma patients is very grim - some living a mere eight months after diagnosis.

Because mesothelioma is directly associated with asbestos exposure, many workplace environments have reduced or forbidden the use of the insulating fiber to ensure the safety of its employees or to prevent potential

mesothelioma lawsuits if one of its employees develops the deadly cancer. The costs of mesothelioma treatments can be very expensive, which leads some individuals to seek a

mesothelioma law to discuss further legal recourse.