Cancer rates increasing worldwide

Cancer rates are on the rise as the world population expands and people are living for longer.

Ahead of the first United Nations summit on killer diseases, including cancer, research conducted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) shows that 12.6 million people are diagnosed every year, and 7.5 million die from the disease.

Cancer accounts for 14% of all deaths around the world, although the figures vary enormously depending on the country. The rates are generally higher in developed countries due to sedentary lifestyles, and an increase in smoking, drinking and eating junk food.

In the UK, 27% of all deaths in 2008 were caused by cancer, with the four most common types affecting the lungs, colorectum, breast and prostate. Lung cancer remains the most common cancer worldwide, and breast cancer is the most common cause of death among women worldwide.

Cancer Research UK has issued a report which says: “While it is clear that tackling cancer worldwide will remain one of the major challenges in the 21st century, this high-level meeting will finally put cancer on the global agenda, providing the biggest and best opportunity to drive forward major changes in this area.”