Cancer incidence statistics
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Global Cancer Incidence Statistics
Worldwide Cancer Incidence and Mortality Trends
In 2022, there were nearly 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million cancer deaths globally. About one in five people will develop cancer in their lifetime, and one in nine men and one in twelve women will die from it. Lung cancer was the most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide, accounting for 12.4% of all new cases, followed by female breast cancer (11.6%), colorectal cancer (9.6%), prostate cancer (7.3%), and stomach cancer (4.9%). Lung cancer also remained the leading cause of cancer death, responsible for 18.7% of all cancer deaths, followed by colorectal, liver, female breast, and stomach cancers. Incidence rates varied greatly by region, with the highest rates in Australia/New Zealand and the lowest in Western Africa and South-Central Asia. The number of new cancer cases is projected to reach 35 million by 2050, highlighting the need for prevention and control efforts worldwide .
Changes in Cancer Patterns Over Time
Comparing data from previous years, the global cancer burden has steadily increased. In 2020, there were an estimated 19.3 million new cancer cases and almost 10 million deaths. Female breast cancer surpassed lung cancer as the most commonly diagnosed cancer in 2020, but lung cancer remained the top cause of cancer death. The overall incidence of cancer was two to three times higher in more developed countries compared to less developed ones, but mortality differences were less pronounced. Death rates for female breast and cervical cancers were notably higher in less developed countries. By 2040, the global cancer burden is expected to rise by 47%, with the largest increases in less developed regions .
In 2018, there were 18.1 million new cancer cases and 9.6 million deaths worldwide. At that time, lung cancer was the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death, closely followed by female breast cancer. The most common cancers and leading causes of death varied by region and economic development, reflecting differences in risk factors and access to healthcare .
Regional and National Cancer Statistics
United States
In the United States, 1,918,030 new cancer cases and 609,360 cancer deaths were projected for 2022. Lung cancer remained the leading cause of cancer death, with about 350 deaths per day. Incidence rates for female breast cancer continued to rise slowly, while prostate cancer rates remained stable but with an increase in advanced-stage diagnoses. Lung cancer incidence for advanced disease declined, but early-stage diagnoses increased, improving survival rates. Overall, cancer death rates have declined steadily since 1991, resulting in millions of deaths averted. However, disparities persist, with higher mortality rates in poorer counties and among certain racial groups 10735+2 MORE.
Korea
In Korea, 254,718 new cancer cases and 81,203 cancer deaths were reported in 2019. Lung cancer became the most frequent cancer, excluding thyroid cancer. Cancer incidence rates increased until 2012, then decreased, with some recent increases in thyroid cancer. Mortality rates have been declining since 2002, and the 5-year relative survival rate reached 70.7% between 2015 and 2019. The number of cancer survivors continues to grow, emphasizing the need for comprehensive cancer control strategies .
Conclusion
Cancer incidence and mortality continue to rise globally, with significant regional differences in the most common cancer types and outcomes. While some countries have seen improvements in survival and reductions in death rates, the overall burden is expected to increase due to demographic changes and risk factors. Effective prevention, early detection, and equitable access to care are essential to control the growing impact of cancer worldwide 41210+1 MORE.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic