Global Cancer Incidence Rose 20% Over Past Decade (2010–2020)

WHO data: **19.3 million new cancer cases in 2020** vs. **15.9 million in 2010** = **~21% increase**.

Primary Drivers

1. Population Growth & Aging: More people, living longer → more cancer (age is #1 risk factor).
2. Lifestyle Changes: Tobacco, alcohol, obesity, physical inactivity, processed diets.
3. Environmental/Occupational: Air pollution, carcinogen exposure, radiation.
4. Improved Detection: Screening (breast, cervical, colorectal), better diagnostics → more cases found.
5. Infection‑Related: HPV, HBV/HCV, H. pylori – still high burden in LMICs.

Top Cancers (2020)

1. Breast (2.26M)
2. Lung (2.21M)
3. Colorectal (1.93M)
4. Prostate (1.41M)
5. Stomach (1.09M)

Mortality

• 10 million deaths in 2020.
• Lung leading cause of cancer death (1.8M).
• Disparities: 70% of deaths in LMICs; survival gaps (e.g., breast 5‑yr: 90% US vs. 66% India).

Prevention Potential

• 30–50% preventable: tobacco control, HPV/HBV vaccination, obesity reduction, alcohol limits, screening.
• WHO “Best Buys”: cost‑effective interventions for LMICs.

Cancer control requires multisectoral action—health, finance, education, environment, trade.