Cancer affects everyone – the young and old, the rich and poor, men, women and children – and represents a tremendous burden on patients, families and societies. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world.
Yet, many of these deaths can be avoided. Between 30-50% of cancers are preventable by healthy lifestyle choices such as avoidance of tobacco and public health measures like immunization against cancer causing infections. Others can be detected early, treated and cured. Even with late stage cancer, the suffering of patients should be relieved with good palliative care.
Worldwide, in 2015, the 5 most common types of cancer that kill men are (in order of frequency): lung, liver, stomach, colorectal and prostate cancers.
Worldwide, in 2015, the 5 most common types of cancer that kill women are (in the order of frequency): breast, lung, colorectal, cervical and stomach cancers.
Worldwide, only about 14% of people who need palliative care currently receive it.
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