10 facts about cancer

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.

Fact 1 – Globally, about 1 in 6 deaths is due to cancer.

Fact 2 – About 70% of all deaths from cancer occur in low and medium income countries.

Fact 3 – Most common types of cancer that kill men are (in order of frequency): lung, liver, stomach, colorectal and prostate cancers.

Fact 4 – Most common types of cancer that kill women are (in order of frequency): breast, lung, colorectal, curvical and stomach cancers.

Fact 5 – Not using tobacco can help prevent cancer.

Fact 6 – Access to cancer treatment in low-income countries is low.

Fact 7 – Cancer treatment creates significant burden on global economy.

Fact 8 – Cancer is a generic term for a large group of diseases that can affect any part of the body.

Fact 9 – 30–50% of cancers can be prevented by avoiding risk factors and implementing existing evidence-based prevention strategies.

Fact 10 – Cancer mortality can be reduced if cases are detected and treated early.