How prevalent is cancer throughout the world?
JAMA Oncology study, based on the data collected in 2019: In 2020 around 19 million people were diagnosed with cancer worldwide. (2019 Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries and Risk Factors). The same study reported total deaths from cancer across the world to around 8.30 million. Moving forward to 2020 the numbers had increased significantly to around 23 million reported cases and 10 million deaths. According to the overall outcome of the study, cancer is the second leading cause of death and years of productive life lost.
According to a report published by the World Health Organization (WHO) the number of cancer cases diagnosed in 2020 on the top-ranking bases was:
- Breast cancer (2.30 million diagnoses)
- Lung Cancer (2.25 million diagnoses)
- Colon and rectal cancer (1.93 million diagnoses)
- Prostate cancer (1.42 million diagnoses)
- Liver cancer (1.20 million diagnoses)
- Stomach cancer (1 million)
Cancer diagnosis rates are increasing
The rate of diagnosis of cancer is increasing and it would further increase up to 50% more by 2035. This can be due to the growing aging population and the use of sophisticated, robust technologies and diagnostic tools, and imaging equipment. Technologically advanced diagnostic approaches help in detecting cancer at early stages. When the more indolent forms of cancer get detected, cancer rates may climb even further.
How prevalent is cancer? – Bottom Line
Though the cancer rate is increasing due to early detection of cancer using sophisticated equipment, the overall mortality rate is decreasing in developed countries. However, in developing countries like India mortality rates associated with cancers are increasing due to a lack of awareness and detection of cancer in its early stages.
I personally suggest a few things that will help you fight cancer diligently.
The first and foremost thing is your awareness of cancer. If you are a woman, then you must remain well aware of all the aspects of cancer, including its development, the risk factors, preventive measures, screening – diagnosis, and treatment. A majority of cancers in women can be prevented or treated effectively if they are detected early—and for early detection, awareness is a must.
If you are well aware of what causes cancer, how to prevent it, and when to go for screening, there is a huge possibility of early diagnosis and improved treatment strategies. This will translate into a hopeful future for people living with cancer.
Read more about “How to Prevent Cancer”
