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Patterns of Cancer Incidence, Mortality, and Prevalence Across Five Continents: Defining Priorities to Reduce Cancer Disparities in Different Geographic Regions of the World

Farin Kamangar, Graça M. Dores, William F. Anderson

From the Nutritional Epidemiology and Biostatistics Branches, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics; Office of Preventive Oncology, Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services.

Address reprint requests to William F. Anderson, MD, MPH, Descriptive Studies Section, Biostatistics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Executive Plaza South, Room 8036, 6120 Executive Blvd, Rockville, MD 20852-7244; e-mail: wanderso{at}mail.nih.gov

Efforts to reduce global cancer disparities begin with an understanding of geographic patterns in cancer incidence, mortality, and prevalence. Using the GLOBOCAN (2002) and Cancer Incidence in Five Continents databases, we describe overall cancer incidence, mortality, and prevalence, age-adjusted temporal trends, and age-specific incidence patterns in selected geographic regions of the world. For the eight most common malignancies—cancers of lung, breast, colon and rectum, stomach, prostate, liver, cervix, and esophagus—the most important risk factors, cancer prevention and control measures are briefly reviewed.

In 2002, an estimated 11 million new cancer cases and 7 million cancer deaths were reported worldwide; nearly 25 million persons were living with cancer. Among the eight most common cancers, global disparities in cancer incidence, mortality, and prevalence are evident, likely due to complex interactions of nonmodifiable (ie, genetic susceptibility and aging) and modifiable risk factors (ie, tobacco, infectious agents, diet, and physical activity). Indeed, when risk factors among populations are intertwined with differences in individual behaviors, cultural beliefs and practices, socioeconomic conditions, and health care systems, global cancer disparities are inevitable. For the eight most common cancers, priorities for reducing cancer disparities are discussed.

Supported in part by the Intramural Research Program of the National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute (Bethesda, MD).

Authors' disclosures of potential conflicts of interest and author contributions are found at the end of this article.

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