Cancer facts & figures

Health inequalities

More than 70% of all cancer deaths occur in low and middle income countries.

Source: http://www.who.int

In 2005, cancer killed 7.6 million people worldwide. Nearly three quarters (72%) were in low and middle income countries.

The World Health Organisation has made cancer mortality projections for 2015 and 2030 which show that in high income countries – between 2005 and 2030 – cancer deaths are expected to increase by 14% (from 2.1 to 2.4 million). In middle income countries, the increase is expected to be 53% (from 3.5 to 5.3 million). In low income countries, the number of cancer deaths is expected to almost double (from 2 to 3.7 million).

In 2030, it is projected that nearly 80% of cancer deaths will be in low and middle income countries. Tobacco use, alcohol use, low vegetable and fruit intake, and infections from hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human papilloma viruses are leading risk factors.

Projections of cancer mortality

General Cancer Statistics