The global burden of cancer
Cancer represents a significant economic burden for the global economy and is now the third leading cause of death worldwide. By 2030, it is projected that there will be 26 million new cancer cases and 17 million cancer deaths per year.
The developing world is disproportionately affected by cancer, and in 2008, developing nations accounted for 56% of new cancer cases and 75% of cancer deaths. These deaths happen in countries with limited or no access to treatment and with low per capita expenditure on healthcare. In recognition of this, the Union for International Cancer Control conceived the World Cancer Declaration in 2009 to achieve 11 targets by 2020.
World Cancer Declaration
Developed and developing countries
Developing nations do not have the funding, expertise or infrastructure to deliver effective cancer services. They have limited or no cancer screening, few facilities and patients have limited access to treatments and analgesia. The lowest-income countries have a survival rate of 25%, compared with 56% in the wealthiest. Prevention is therefore a key strategy to reduce cancer deaths as it has the largest potential impact at the least expense.