How common is cancer

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Prevalence and Incidence of Cancer: A Global and National Perspective

Global Cancer Incidence and Mortality Rates

Cancer remains a significant global health challenge, with millions of new cases and deaths reported annually. In 2020, there were an estimated 19.3 million new cancer cases worldwide, excluding non-melanoma skin cancer, and nearly 10 million cancer-related deaths. The most commonly diagnosed cancers globally were female breast cancer (2.26 million cases), lung cancer (2.21 million cases), and prostate cancer (1.41 million cases). Lung cancer was the leading cause of cancer death, responsible for 1.79 million deaths, followed by liver cancer (830,000 deaths) and stomach cancer (769,000 deaths).

Cancer Statistics in the United States

Annual Estimates and Trends

In the United States, the American Cancer Society provides annual estimates of new cancer cases and deaths. For 2020, it was projected that there would be 1,806,590 new cancer cases and 606,520 cancer deaths. The cancer death rate in the U.S. has been declining since its peak in 1991, resulting in a 29% overall reduction by 2017, which translates to approximately 2.9 million fewer cancer deaths. This decline is attributed to long-term reductions in death rates for the four leading cancers: lung, colorectal, breast, and prostate.

Recent Data and Projections

In 2021, the projected number of new cancer cases in the U.S. increased to 1,898,160, with 608,570 expected deaths. The continuous decline in the cancer death rate, which fell by 31% from 1991 to 2018, is largely due to reductions in smoking and advancements in early detection and treatment. Lung cancer, in particular, saw significant improvements in survival rates, contributing to the overall decline in cancer mortality.

Historical and Comparative Data

Global Trends Over Time

Historical data show that the global burden of cancer has been increasing. In 1990, there were an estimated 8.1 million new cancer cases worldwide, with lung cancer being the most common among men and breast cancer among women. By 2008, the number of new cancer cases had risen to 12.7 million, with lung, breast, and colorectal cancers being the most commonly diagnosed. These trends highlight the growing prevalence of cancer and the need for effective prevention and treatment strategies.

U.S. Trends Over the Decades

In the U.S., the number of new cancer cases and deaths has been steadily increasing. In 2013, there were 1,660,290 new cancer cases and 580,350 cancer deaths projected. By 2014, these numbers had risen to 1,665,540 new cases and 585,720 deaths. The overall cancer death rate has been declining for two decades, with a 20% reduction from 1991 to 2010, translating to approximately 1.34 million fewer cancer deaths.

Specific Cancer Types

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant concern in the U.S., being the second most common cause of cancer death. In 2023, it is estimated that 153,020 individuals will be diagnosed with CRC, and 52,550 will die from the disease. The incidence of CRC has been shifting towards younger populations, with an increase in cases among individuals younger than 55 years. Despite overall declines in CRC mortality, there has been an increase in deaths among individuals younger than 50 years and Native Americans younger than 65 years.

Conclusion

Cancer remains a prevalent and deadly disease worldwide, with millions of new cases and deaths each year. While significant progress has been made in reducing cancer mortality rates, particularly in high-resource countries like the United States, the global burden of cancer continues to rise. Efforts to improve early detection, treatment, and prevention strategies are crucial in combating this growing health challenge.