Scientific knowledge will be shared between countries

Ten million people currently die from cancer every year, and the figure is expected to reach 15 million a year by 2020.

Experts believe many of those deaths could be prevented - but it will need a co-ordinated international effort.

Half the burden of cancer is in developing countries Dr Andreas Ullrich, World Health Organisation

The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Union Against Cancer are to meet representatives from over 40 organisations and governments in Chicago on Tuesday.

They have formed the Global Action against Cancer Programme, which will help countries to share knowledge, introduce early detection schemes and improve healthcare.

Prevention

Developing countries, which carry much of the burden, will receive particular help as cancer incidence continues to increase.

It is estimated by the WHO that by 2020, North and West Africa, South America, the Caribbean and South East Asia could see cancer deaths increase by over 75%.

But if people can be advised on how to live more healthily, deaths could be prevented.

Experts say if the numbers smoking could be reduced and the amount of physical activity increased, the number of infections that can cause tumours could be reduced.

In addition, cancer cases could be cut by a third, another third could be cured, and doctors would also be able to improve the quality of life for terminally ill patients.

Dr Andreas Ullrich from the WHO's Cancer Control programme told the BBC: "Half the burden of cancer is in developing countries, so these countries which already have a huge burden in terms of infectious diseases also have to tackle chronic diseases, including cancer.