Cancer mortality rates by type
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Cancer Mortality Rates by Type
Global Cancer Mortality Trends
Overview of Cancer Mortality Rates
Cancer mortality rates vary significantly across different regions and types of cancer. Recent studies have shown that infection-related cancers such as cervical and stomach cancer, and tobacco-related cancers like lung and esophageal cancer, exhibit a tenfold variation in mortality rates across countries 1. High-income countries (HICs) generally have the highest incidence rates for cancers such as lung, colorectal, breast, and prostate, but mortality rates for these cancers are declining due to better prevention, early detection, and treatment 4. Conversely, low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are experiencing increasing mortality rates for these cancers due to rising risk factors like smoking and obesity 45.
Declining Mortality Rates in High-Income Countries
In many high-income countries, mortality rates for major cancers have been decreasing. For instance, lung cancer mortality in men and stomach cancer mortality in both sexes have either decreased or stabilized 1. This decline is attributed to reductions in smoking rates and advancements in cancer treatments 6. The overall cancer death rate in the United States has fallen continuously from its peak in 1991 through 2018, resulting in a 31% decline, which translates to 3.2 million fewer cancer deaths 6.
Increasing Mortality Rates in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
In contrast, LMICs are witnessing rising mortality rates for several cancers. This increase is largely due to the adoption of unhealthy lifestyles, such as smoking and physical inactivity, and higher rates of infection-related cancers 45. For example, liver cancer mortality rates are increasing in both men and women in these regions 3. The burden of cancer in LMICs is expected to grow, with the proportion of new cancer cases projected to rise from 56% of the world total in 2008 to over 60% by 2030 5.
Specific Cancer Types and Mortality Rates
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer mortality worldwide. While mortality rates for lung cancer in men have decreased or stabilized in many countries, rates in women are increasing in several regions 1. In the United States, the decline in lung cancer mortality has accelerated, with a significant drop observed from 2014 to 2018 due to improved treatments and reduced smoking rates 6.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer mortality rates have generally decreased in high-income countries due to early detection and better treatment options. However, disparities exist, with lower survival rates observed in less developed regions 3. The five-year relative survival rate for distant-stage breast cancer has significantly improved over the years, increasing from 18.7% between 1975 and 1977 to 33.6% between 2006 and 2012 3.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer mortality rates have also seen a decline in many high-income countries. However, the rate of decline has slowed in recent years 6. The overall cancer death rate for prostate cancer has decreased due to advancements in early detection and treatment 6.
Liver Cancer
Liver cancer is one of the few cancers with increasing mortality rates in both high-income and low- and middle-income countries. This increase is attributed to factors such as hepatitis infections and rising obesity rates 34.
Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer mortality rates have decreased in many high-income countries due to improved screening and treatment. However, these rates are increasing in several low- and middle-income countries due to changes in diet and lifestyle 45.
Conclusion
Cancer mortality rates vary widely by type and region, with high-income countries generally experiencing declining rates due to better prevention, early detection, and treatment. In contrast, low- and middle-income countries face increasing mortality rates due to rising risk factors and limited access to healthcare. Continued efforts in cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment are essential to reduce the global cancer burden and address disparities in cancer outcomes.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
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.
Observational StudyCancer statistics, 2017
The cancer incidence rate is 20% higher in men than in women, and the cancer death rate is 40% higher, with sex disparities varying by cancer type.
Highly CitedAnnual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer, 1975–2014, Featuring Survival
Cancer death rates continue to decrease in the United States, but progress in reducing death rates and improving survival is limited for several cancer types, highlighting the need for intensified efforts in prevention, early detection, and treatment.
Observational Study
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedGlobal Cancer Incidence and Mortality Rates and Trends—An Update
High-income countries have the highest cancer incidence rates, but mortality rates are declining in many HICs while increasing in LMICs.
Highly CitedGlobal 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.
Highly CitedCancer Statistics, 2021
The cancer death rate has declined by 31% since 1991, with lung cancer mortality accelerating and improving treatment accelerating progress against the disease.
Highly CitedMortality in patients with cancer and coronavirus disease 2019: A systematic review and pooled analysis of 52 studies
Patients with cancer who develop COVID-19 have a high probability of mortality, highlighting the need for appropriate preventive measures and optimal management.
Meta-Analysis
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedCancer statistics, 2019
The overall cancer death rate dropped from 1991 to 2016 by 27%, but socioeconomic inequalities remain, with mortality rates in poor counties being 2x higher for cervical cancer and 40% higher for male lung and liver cancers.
Highly CitedEmpirical Bayes estimation of cancer mortality rates.
Empirical Bayes method adjusts cancer mortality rates for specific cancer types and age-sex groups, providing more stable rates for city comparison and future predictions.
Highly CitedCancer statistics, 2018
The combined cancer death rate dropped from 1991 to 2015 by 26%, with a 14% higher cancer death rate for non-Hispanic blacks compared to non-Hispanic whites, and racial disparities vary by state.
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