10 facts about cancer
Updated February 2017
Cancer affects everyone – the young and old, the rich and poor, men, women and children – and represents a tremendous burden on patients, families and societies. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world.
Yet, many of these deaths can be avoided. Between 30-50% of cancers are preventable by healthy lifestyle choices such as avoidance of tobacco and public health measures like immunization against cancer causing infections. Others can be detected early, treated and cured. Even with late stage cancer, the suffering of patients should be relieved with good palliative care.
WHO/C de Bode
Fact 1: About 16% of people die from cancer
In 2015, 8.8 million people died from cancer – nearly 1 in 6 global deaths.
WHO/A Kari
Fact 2: Cancer affects everyone
About 70% of all deaths from cancer occur in low- and middle-income countries.
WHO/S Volkov
Fact 3: Top 5 types of cancer killing men
Worldwide, in 2018, the 5 most common types of cancer that kill men are (in order of frequency): lung, liver, stomach, colorectal and prostate cancers.
WHO/C de Bode
Fact 4: Top 5 types of cancer killing women
Worldwide, in 2018, the 5 most common types of cancer that kill women are (in the order of frequency): breast, lung, colorectal, cervical and stomach cancers.
WHO/S Volkov
Fact 5: Not using tobacco can help prevent cancer
Between 30-50% of cancers are preventable. Tobacco use is the single largest preventable cause of cancer in the world, and is responsible for approximately 22% of all cancer-related deaths.
WHO
Fact 6: Vaccination against cancer-causing infections
In 2012, cancer-causing infections were responsible for up to 25% of newly diagnosed cancer cases in low- and middle-income countries. Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes cervical cancer, and hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes liver cancer. Vaccination against these two viruses could prevent 1.1 million cancer cases each year.
WHO/G Reboux
Fact 7: Access to cancer treatment in low-income countries is low
In 2017, less than 30% of low-income countries reported treatment services were generally available, compared to more than 90% of high-income countries.
WHO/G Reboux
Fact 8: Cancer creates significant burden on global economy
The economic impact of cancer is significant and is increasing. The total annual economic cost of cancer in 2010 was estimated at approximately US$ 1.16 trillion.
WHO/E Eraly
Fact 9: Palliative care
Worldwide, only about 14% of people who need palliative care currently receive it.
WHO/J Takayama
Fact 10: Lack of data disables cancer policies
Only one in five low- and middle-income countries have the necessary data to drive cancer policy.
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