Cancer is something that must be discussed, we must get it out in the open

Frances Visco, chairman of the National Breast Cancer Coalition

This called for more research funding and for better treatment for patients.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) predicts that the number of new cancer cases reported each year will have risen to 20 million by 2020 - the current rate is nine million.

It also predicts that death rates will rise from five million to 10 million.

Lung cancer

Lung cancer is currently the most common and most deadly cancer.

The cancer summit also heard fears that out of the five million cancer deaths each year, lung cancer is to blame for 921,000 deaths - more than breast cancer, colon and prostate cancer combined.

Experts have said that tougher laws to limit tobacco advertising and a rise in cigarette prices would discourage smoking and that this would in turn lead to a cut in cancer deaths.

Derek Yach, general director of non-transmittable diseases and mental health at WHO, said political parties had a successful weapon in their power.

"We can turn off the taps of tobacco-related death and disease with political will," he said.