World Cancer Day: These 5 Cancers Are the Most Common Worldwide

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World Cancer Day: Cancer is known as the deadliest disease on the planet. If it’s not caught early, it can spread throughout the body and potentially lead to death. There are many types of cancer, and it can affect any part of the body. Nowadays, cancer has become the biggest health issue globally.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 10 million people died from cancer in 2020, and the death toll was projected to be about 10 million in 2022. The number of cancer patients keeps rising, and so do the death rates. Statistics show that cancer accounts for 1 in every 6 deaths worldwide. This is quite alarming.

The WHO reports that the most prevalent cancers affecting millions globally include breast cancer, lung cancer, colon and rectum cancer, prostate cancer, and skin cancer. In 2020, there were about 2.26 million new breast cancer cases, while lung cancer had around 2.2 million cases reported. Colon-rectum cancer, prostate cancer, and stomach cancer are also on the rise. All forms of cancer are serious. However, if certain cancers are detected early and treated properly, lives can be saved.

Lung cancer is the deadliest of them all

According to WHO data, lung cancer is the top cause of cancer-related deaths. In 2020, roughly 1.8 million people lost their lives to lung cancer. The most common cancers include colon-rectum, liver, stomach, and breast cancers, with colon and rectum cancers following closely behind. Interestingly, around 400,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year, and the types of cancer differ from one country to another. In many places, cervical cancer is the most frequently occurring cancer.

The biggest risk factors for cancer

According to health experts, there are many factors that contribute to cancer. Tobacco use, alcohol, obesity, poor eating habits, lack of physical activity, and air pollution are major risk factors for cancer. According to the WHO, approximately 30% of cancer deaths are linked to these habits. Infections such as HPV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C are also a major cause of cancer in many countries. The risk of cancer also increases with age, as the body’s ability to repair cells weakens over time. However, the comforting fact is that 30 to 50 percent of cancers can be prevented if people improve their lifestyles and avoid risk factors in time.

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