She noted that in 1993 only 36 women out of every 1,000 died of cancer but for the last ten years the ratio has risen to 56.

Dr Hajah Roselina presenting her working paper at the current National Convention on Health promotion stressed that deaths caused by diseases related to lifestyle resulting in cancer, cardiovascular, diabetes and obesity are higher than those by diseases related to pregnancy.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation reported that 50 million abortions were recorded annually, and of that two to four million involved teenagers from developing countries. More than five per cent of the abortion cases occurred in Asia.

The revelation was made by Datuk Dr Raj Karim, the Regional Director of the International Federation of Planned Parenthood, in her working paper entitled "Women Health from Global Perspective".

She noted that most of the victims were women under social pressure.

Meanwhile, Dr Andrew Kiyu, the Sarawak Deputy Director of Health, laid emphasis on the importance of providing recreational parks and grounds for the community and in ensuring that transportation and movement within town areas are safe.

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