Cancer Key Facts

– Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for 7.6 million deaths (around 13% of all deaths) in 2008 (1).
– Lung, stomach, liver, colon and breast cancer cause the most cancer deaths each year.
– The most frequent types of cancer differ between men and women.
– About 30% of cancer deaths are due to the five leading behavioral and dietary risks: high body mass index, low fruit and vegetable intake, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, alcohol use.
– Tobacco use is the most important risk factor for cancer causing 22% of global cancer deaths and 71% of global lung cancer deaths.
– Cancer causing viral infections such as HBV/HCV and HPV are responsible for up to 20% of cancer deaths in low- and middle-income countries.
– About 70% of all cancer deaths in 2008 occurred in low- and middle-income countries.
– Deaths from cancer worldwide are projected to continue rising, with an estimated 13.1 million deaths in 2030 (2). Continue reading…