Third Edition of Cancer Atlas highlights patterns and inequities in cancer burden

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The American Cancer Society, Union for International Cancer Control and International Agency for Research on Cancer have published The Cancer Atlas, 3rd edition, an overview of cancer around the globe.

The document, released at the World Cancer Leaders’ Summit in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, can be downloaded here. In addition to the printed report, the information is included on this interactive website.

The atlas highlights distinct patterns and inequities in the cancer burden around the world; outlines the risk factors that are driving cancer patterns; and details the prospects for cancer prevention and control. The theme of the current edition is “Access Creates Progress.”

Cancer is the leading or second-leading cause of premature death (under age 70) in 91 countries. Based on expected population growth and aging alone, the number of global cancer cases is expected to increase by 60% in 2040. More widespread distribution of lifestyle factors such as smoking, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity are likely to make that number considerably larger.

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