WHO: 1 in 5 people worldwide will develop cancer during their lifetime

WHO.int – Breast cancer is now the most commonly-diagnosed cancer overtaking lung cancer, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in December 2020.

According to the latest statistics, the number of people diagnosed with cancer has nearly doubled from an estimated 10 million in 2000 to 19.3 million in 2020. Also, the number of cancer-related deaths has also increased from 6.2 million in 2000 to 10 million in 2020. More than one out of every six deaths is due to cancer.

Between 30% and 50% of cancer deaths could be prevented by modifying or avoiding the following key risk factors can help prevent cancer:

• avoid tobacco use, including cigarettes and smokeless tobacco

• maintain a healthy weight

• eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables

• exercise regularly

• limit alcohol use

• practice safe sex

• get vaccinated against hepatitis B and human papillomavirus (HPV)

• reduce exposure to ultraviolet radiation and ionizing radiation (occupational or medical diagnostic imaging)

• avoid urban air pollution and indoor smoke from household use of solid fuels

• get regular medical care

• some chronic infections are also risk factors for cancer. People in low- and middle-income countries are more likely to develop cancer through chronic infections.

The cancer burden can also be reduced through early detection of cancer and management of patients who develop cancer. However, a WHO survey shows that the pandemic has worsened the problem of late-stage diagnosis due to lack of treatment which mostly occurs particularly in low-and-middle-income countries.