canceratlas.cancer.orgThe Cancer Atlas | Explore global cancer data and insights.

[Skip to Content] RISK FACTORS THE BURDEN TAKING ACTION Browse by Topic Explore Data Toggle Search RISK FACTORS Explore Risk Factors Learn about the prevalence of major known risk factors for cancer in populations around the world. Tobacco smoking is the predominant cause of cancer in most high-income countries, while infections play a major role in many sub-Saharan African and Asian countries. Introduction Overview of Risk Factors Risks of Tobacco Infection Body Weight, Physical Activity, Diet & Alcohol Ultraviolet Radiation Reproductive & Hormonal Factors Environmental & Occupational Exposures Human Carcinogens THE BURDEN Explore The Burden Explore the global cancer burden in terms of incidence, mortality, prevalence, and survival for each major world region as well as by Human Development Index. Lung and breast cancers are the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide among men and women, respectively. Introduction The Burden of Cancer Lung Cancer Breast Cancer Cancer in Children Human Development Index Transitions Cancer in Indigenous Populations GEOGRAPHIC DIVERSITY Overview of Geographical Diversity Sub-Saharan Africa Latin America & the Caribbean Northern America Southern, Eastern, & South-Eastern Asia Europe Northern Africa, West & Central Asia Oceania SURVIVORSHIP Cancer Survival Cancer Survivorship TAKING ACTION Explore Taking Action Discover effective interventions across the cancer continuum, from prevention to early detection, treatment, and palliative care. Many organizations work in the fight against cancer through research, health promotion, and policy. Universal healthcare can achieve greater equity in cancer outcomes. Introduction The Cancer Continuum PREVENTION, TREATMENT, AND BEYOND Health Promotion Tobacco Control Vaccines Early Detection Management & Treatment Pain Control RESEARCH, POLICY, AND ACTIVISM Cancer Surveillance Research The Economic Burden of Cancer Building Synergies Uniting Organizations Global Relay for Life Policies & Legislation Universal Health Coverage Browse by Topic Lung Cancer Breast Cancer Cervical Cancer Cancer and Development Cancer Survivors Lung Cancer Risks of Tobacco Lung Cancer Overview of Geographical Diversity Latin America & the Caribbean Northern America Southern, Eastern, & South-Eastern Asia Europe Northern Africa, West & Central Asia The Cancer Continuum Tobacco Control Lung cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death worldwide because of inadequate tobacco control policies. Breast Cancer Breast Cancer Overview of Geographical Diversity Latin America & the Caribbean Southern, Eastern, & South-Eastern Asia Europe Early Detection Breast cancer accounts for almost a quarter of new cancer cases among women worldwide. Cervical Cancer Cancer in Indigenous Populations Sub-Saharan Africa Latin America & the Caribbean Oceania The Cancer Continuum Vaccines Early Detection Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women in low-HDI countries. Cancer and Development The Burden of Cancer Human Development Index Transitions Sub-Saharan Africa Northern Africa, West & Central Asia Oceania Many low- and middle-income countries are transitioning from infection-related cancers to lifestyle-related cancers. Cancer Survivors Cancer in Children Cancer Survival Cancer Survivorship Pain Control The growing population of cancer survivors represents a global challenge for survivors and their families, employers, healthcare systems and governments. Explore Data About the Atlas About Contributors News Resources Glossary History of Cancer Sources and Methods The Tobacco Atlas Hide Search Search Cancer is a leading cause of premature death in every country in the world. But many of these deaths can be prevented. Learn how 6 countries are taking action in the global fight against cancer. Begin the Tour Access Creates Progress Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Australia. In 2012, Australia legislated plain standardized tobacco packages to deter smoking. The country has since successfully defended against three sets of legal challenges to these laws, demonstrating the power governments have to legislate for public health. Learn more about Policies & Legislation Explore Oceania Access Creates Progress Rwanda has among the highest cervical cancer rates in the world. However, the HPV vaccine can protect against many of the HPV types that cause cervical cancer. This country has achieved greater than 98% coverage in its HPV vaccine target population, potentially lowering cervical cancer rates in future generations of women. Learn more about Vaccines Explore Sub-Saharan Africa Access Creates Progress China has the highest liver cancer incidence rate in the world. Rates are now decreasing in this country due to programs for the prevention of aflatoxin exposure and familial transmission of hepatitis B virus, two major contributors to the liver cancer burden. Learn more about Risk Factors Explore South, East, & SE Asia Access Creates Progress The most common cancers in the Netherlands are associated with excess body weight and physical inactivity. To combat this, substantial investments have been made in cycling-promoting infrastructure and policies, resulting in 27% of trips being made by bicycle and 6,500 deaths averted each year. Learn more about Nutrition & Physical Activity Explore Europe Access Creates Progress Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among Mexican women, and cancer is a leading cause of death among Mexican children. The creation of Seguro Popular in Mexico, making universal health coverage mandatory, has improved access to care and survival from breast and childhood cancers. Learn more about Universal Health Coverage Explore Latin America & the Caribbean Access Creates Progress Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, although mortality rates are decreasing. Screening is estimated to be responsible for about half of the declines in colorectal cancer mortality since 1975. Learn more about Early Detection Explore Northern America See how cancer ranks as a cause of death in your country. Explore Data Cancer is a leading cause of premature death in every country in the world. But many of these deaths can be prevented. Learn how 6 countries are taking action in the global fight against cancer. Begin the Tour See how cancer ranks as a cause of death in your country. Explore Data Restart the tour Access Creates Progress Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Australia. In 2012, Australia legislated plain standardized tobacco packages to deter smoking. The country has since successfully defended against three sets of legal challenges to these laws, demonstrating the power governments have to legislate for public health. Learn More About Vaccines Explore Sub-Saharan Africa Region: Oceania Go to Rwanda Learn more about Step 1 of 6 Next Explore the causes of cancer, the burden around the world, and ways to take action—from prevention to end-of-life care—through research, policy, and collaboration. RISK FACTORS Learn about the prevalence of major known risk factors for cancer in populations around the world. Learn More THE BURDEN Explore the global cancer burden in terms of incidence, mortality, prevalence, and survival for each major world region as well as by Human Development Index. Learn More TAKING ACTION Discover effective interventions across the cancer continuum, from prevention to early detection, treatment, and palliative care. Learn More EXPLORE Explore major topics and recent advances in global cancer Risks of Tobacco Breast Cancer Universal Health Coverage Early Detection Cancer Continuum LATEST NEWS World Cancer Day February 4 is World Cancer Day. World Cancer Day aims to save millions of preventable deaths each year by raising awareness and education about cancer, and pressing governments ...