IARC: Cancer is now the world's biggest killer

GENEVA – On World Cancer Day 2014 (February 4), a new global cancer report [1] compiled by UN Agency, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) shows that:

  ?  As a single entity, cancer is the biggest cause of mortality worldwide [2] – there were an estimated 8.2 million deaths from cancer in 2012

  ?  Global cancer incidence over four years increased by 11%* to an estimated 14.1 million cases in 2012 – equal to the population of India's largest city (Mumbai) [3]

  ?  Cancer cases worldwide are forecast to rise by 75% and reach close to 25 million over next two decades

"The rise of cancer worldwide is a major obstacle to human development and well-being," comments Dr Christopher Wild, director of IARC. "These new figures and projections send a strong signal that immediate action is needed to confront this human disaster, which touches every community worldwide, without exception."

The World Cancer Report series is recognised as an authoritative source of global perspective and information on cancer. The first volume appeared in 2003 and the second in 2008. This third volume in the series encompasses both established knowledge and recent research achievement, and is designed to provide non-specialist health professionals and policy-makers with a balanced understanding of cancer control and to provide established cancer professionals with insights about recent development.

‘Debunk the myths’

The release of the report underpins the 2014 World Cancer Day theme, which again focuses on Target 5 of the World Cancer Declaration: Reduce stigma and dispel myths about cancer. The data “Debunk the myths” and shows that the world cannot afford to sit back and continue to let the global cancer burden grow.

The World Cancer Report 2014 confirms that inequality exists in cancer control and care globally. The number of deaths due to the disease amongst the world's poor is growing at a faster rate than previously expected.

Specifically, by 2025 almost 80% of the increase in the number of all cancer deaths will occur in less developed regions. [1] <Nike Air Max 2017