Cancer mortality statistics
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Global Cancer Mortality Statistics
Worldwide Cancer Deaths and Leading Causes
In 2018, there were an estimated 9.6 million cancer deaths globally, with lung cancer being the leading cause of cancer death (18.4% of all cancer deaths), followed by colorectal, stomach, and liver cancers. Among men, lung, liver, and stomach cancers were the top causes of cancer mortality, while among women, breast, colorectal, and lung cancers were most common. The most frequent cancers and leading causes of death vary significantly by country and region, influenced by economic development and lifestyle factors 569.
Trends in Cancer Mortality Rates
Cancer mortality rates have generally been declining in many high-income countries. For example, in the United States, the overall cancer death rate has dropped continuously since its peak in 1991, resulting in a 31% decline by 2018. This decline is attributed to reductions in smoking, improvements in early detection, and better treatments, especially for lung cancer, which accounted for nearly half of the total mortality decline from 2014 to 2018 234. In Europe, total cancer mortality rates are also predicted to decline, with notable decreases in colorectal, breast, and male lung cancers, although female lung cancer mortality has increased in some countries 810.
Differences by Sex, Age, and Socioeconomic Status
Historically, cancer mortality among males increased more than among females, but recent decades have seen a convergence in rates between the sexes. The decline in cancer death rates varies by age, race, and sex, with the largest reductions seen among younger black men in the United States. However, older women have seen little to no decline in some regions 124. Socioeconomic disparities persist, with higher cancer mortality rates for certain cancers in poorer populations compared to wealthier ones .
Cancer Mortality by Cancer Type
- Lung Cancer: Remains the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, with declining mortality in men but rising rates in women in some regions 3578.
- Colorectal Cancer: Mortality rates are generally declining in both men and women, especially in countries with organized screening programs 810.
- Breast Cancer: While breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, mortality trends vary, with some regions seeing increases and others declines due to improved detection and treatment 138.
- Leukemias: Mortality rates are falling, particularly among children and young adults, due to advances in therapy .
- Other Cancers: Pancreatic cancer mortality is stable or rising in women, and liver cancer mortality is increasing in men in many countries 78.
Impact of Diagnosis and Treatment Advances
Improvements in diagnostic techniques have contributed to apparent increases in mortality for some cancers, such as lung and pancreatic cancers, due to better detection. However, early recognition and treatment, especially for cancers in accessible organs, have led to declines in mortality for those cancers 13.
Conclusion
Cancer mortality statistics show a general global decline in death rates, especially in high-income countries, due to better prevention, early detection, and treatment. However, significant disparities remain by region, sex, age, and socioeconomic status. Continued progress will depend on expanding effective cancer control strategies and improving access to care worldwide 2345+2 MORE.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Estimating the global cancer incidence and mortality in 2018: GLOBOCAN sources and methods
In 2018, there were an estimated 18.1 million new cancer cases and 9.6 million cancer deaths worldwide, with uncertainty intervals provided for sex and site-specific numbers.
Recent Mortality Patterns and Time Trends for the Major Cancers in 47 Countries Worldwide.
Recent cancer mortality rates decreased in most countries, but lung and liver cancer rates increased in some, emphasizing the need for targeted prevention and control programs worldwide.
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