WHO | Global cancer rates could increase by 50% to 15 million by 2020

WHO | Global cancer rates could increase by 50% to 15 million by 2020: Global cancer rates could increase by 50% to 15 million by 2020
World Cancer Report provides clear evidence that action on smoking, diet and infections can prevent one third of cancers, another third can be cured

Geneva, 3 April 2003 - Cancer rates could further increase by 50% to 15 million new cases in the year 2020, according to the World Cancer Report, the most comprehensive global examination of the disease to date. However, the report also provides clear evidence that healthy lifestyles and public health action by governments and health practitioners could stem this trend, and prevent as many as one third of cancers worldwide.

In the year 2000, malignant tumours were responsible for 12 per cent of the nearly 56 million deaths worldwide from all causes. In many countries, more than a quarter of deaths are attributable to cancer. In 2000, 5.3 million men and 4.7 million women developed a malignant tumour and altogether 6.2 million died from the disease. The report also reveals that cancer has emerged as a major public health problem in developing countries, matching its effect in industrialized nations.