More than 10 million people died of cancer worldwide in 2019

TUESDAY, January 4, 2022 (HealthDay News) – Cancer is still the main killer, with 10 million deaths reported worldwide in 2019.

More than 23 million new cases were documented globally in 2019, according to researchers from the University of Washington School of Medicine.

By comparison, in 2010 there were 8.29 million Cancer deaths worldwide and less than 19 million new cases. Mortality was almost 21% higher in 2019 than in 2010, and the number of cases was about 26% higher, researchers say.

The study also highlighted global differences in disease treatment.

“Ensuring that global progress in the fight against cancer is fair is crucial,” said lead author Dr. Jonathan Kocarnik, a scientist at the University Institute for Health Measurement and Evaluation.

“This will require efforts to reduce the differences in cancer prevention, treatment and survival, and the inclusion of local needs and knowledge in tailored national cancer control plans, “Kocarnik said in a university statement.

The researchers surveyed 204 countries and territories, assessing the burden and trends of cancer.

They found that cancer was in second place cardiovascular disease in the number of deaths among 22 groups of diseases and injuries.

Lung cancer it was the leading cause of cancer death in 119 countries and territories for men and 27 countries and territories for women. Breast cancer it was the leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide, including 119 countries.

Also, lung cancer, bowel cancer, stomach cancer, breast cancer and liver cancer according to the study, they made up the most years spent with ill health and disability.

There was a hint of good news: after adjusting for age, the researchers found that the death and incidence rates fell by about 6% and about 1%, respectively.

The standardized mortality rate decreased in 131 countries and territories, and the incidence rate fell in 75 countries and territories.

Researchers called these small reductions promising, but warned that there could be delays in cancer care and outcomes due to COVID-19. Effects pandemic on cancer, death, and prevention and control efforts were not considered in this study.

The rate reduction appears to be caused by countries with higher socio-demographic status.

The report was released on December 30th JAMA Oncology. It is part of the 2019 Global Burden of Disease, Injury and Risk Factors Study.

More information

The American Cancer Society has more on that types and treatments for cancer.

SOURCE: University of Washington School of Medicine, Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation, press release, December 30, 2021.