Cancer mortality rate
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Global Cancer Mortality Rate Trends
Declining Cancer Mortality Rates in High-Income Countries
Over the past several decades, cancer mortality rates have generally declined in high-income regions such as the United States and Europe. In the United States, the overall cancer death rate dropped by about 27% from 1991 to 2016, resulting in over 2.6 million fewer cancer deaths than expected if rates had remained at their peak. This decline is attributed to reductions in smoking, advances in treatment, and improvements in early detection. The annual decrease in cancer death rates was about 1.4% for women and 1.8% for men between 2007 and 2016, with similar trends observed in the previous decade Runowicz2006Siegel2019Siegel2018.
In Europe, total cancer mortality rates were predicted to decline by 10.3% in men and 5% in women between 2012 and 2018. This trend is largely due to improved treatments and organized screening programs, especially for colorectal cancer. However, the total number of cancer deaths may still rise slightly due to population growth and aging .
Cancer Mortality in Middle- and Low-Income Countries
While high-income countries have seen significant declines, some middle- and low-income countries are experiencing rising cancer mortality rates. This is often due to the adoption of unhealthy lifestyles, such as increased smoking and physical inactivity, and a higher prevalence of cancers related to infectious agents. The proportion of new cancer cases in less developed countries is expected to increase, with these regions projected to account for more than 60% of global cancer cases by 2030 .
Despite these challenges, a global analysis found that the risk of dying from cancer decreased by about 1% per year in both high- and lower-income regions from 2000 to 2010. This improvement was mainly due to favorable trends in common cancers, although liver cancer in both sexes and lung cancer in women showed increasing mortality rates in many countries .
Cancer Mortality Patterns in China
In China, the age-standardized cancer mortality rate decreased by about 1.3% per year from 2000 to 2018, even as the overall number of cancer deaths remains high due to the large population. The most common causes of cancer death are lung, liver, stomach, colorectal, and esophageal cancers. Notably, mortality rates for esophageal, stomach, and liver cancers have declined, reflecting the impact of prevention and control measures .
Differences by Cancer Type
- Lung Cancer: Mortality rates for lung cancer have declined in men in many countries but are rising in women, especially in high-income countries, due to increased smoking rates among women Malvezzi2018Hashim2016Sedeta2023+1 MORE.
- Colorectal Cancer: Mortality rates are declining in both men and women, likely due to better screening and treatment .
- Breast Cancer: Mortality rates are generally declining, especially in high-income countries, due to improved screening and treatment .
- Liver and Pancreatic Cancer: Mortality rates for liver cancer are increasing in both sexes in many countries, while pancreatic cancer mortality is stable or rising in women Malvezzi2018Hashim2016Sedeta2023.
Disparities in Cancer Mortality
Socioeconomic and racial disparities persist. In the United States, cancer mortality rates are higher in poorer counties and among certain racial groups, particularly for preventable cancers like cervical, lung, and liver cancers. These disparities highlight the need for more equitable access to prevention, early detection, and treatment Siegel2019Siegel2018.
Historical Perspective
Historically, cancer mortality rates increased in the mid-20th century, partly due to better diagnosis and rising rates of smoking-related cancers. However, mortality from cancers that are more easily detected and treated, such as those of the female genital organs, skin, and mouth, has declined over time Runowicz20063.
Conclusion
Cancer mortality rates are generally declining in high-income countries due to advances in prevention, early detection, and treatment. However, the global burden of cancer is shifting, with rising rates in less developed regions and persistent disparities within countries. Continued efforts in prevention, screening, and equitable healthcare access are essential to further reduce cancer mortality worldwide Runowicz2006Malvezzi2018Hashim2016+6 MORE.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
European cancer mortality predictions for the year 2018 with focus on colorectal cancer
European cancer mortality rates are predicted to decline by 10.3% in men and 5.0% in women between 2012 and 2018, with colorectal cancer showing favourable trends and pancreatic cancer stable in men.
Cancer incidence and mortality in China, 2022
In China, 4,824,700 new cancer cases and 2,574,200 new cancer deaths are expected in 2022, with lung, colon-rectum, thyroid, liver, and stomach cancers being the top five causes of cancer deaths.
Global Patterns of Cancer Incidence and Mortality Rates and Trends
Cancer incidence and mortality rates are decreasing in the US and many other western countries, but are increasing in less developed and economically transitioning countries due to unhealthy lifestyles and infectious agents.
Recent Mortality Patterns and Time Trends for the Major Cancers in 47 Countries Worldwide.
Recent cancer mortality rates decreased in most countries, but lung and liver cancer rates increased in some, emphasizing the need for targeted prevention and control programs worldwide.
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