Cancer facts & figures - Archive

Rate of overweight in children under 5 years more than 20 per cent in some European countries

In 2007, an estimated 22 million children under the age of 5 were overweight throughout the world. More than 75 per cent of overweight and obese children live in low- and middle-income countries.

About 1 in 4 cancers in developing countries is caused by infection

In 2002 about 1.9 million cases of cancer, 17.8 per cent of the global total, were caused by infection. Helicobactor pylori is responsible for 63 per cent of stomach cancer worldwide and increases risk by between five and six fold.

At least 60 per cent of world's population does not achieve the minimum recommendation for physical activity

There is convincing evidence that being physically active protects against bowel cancer and also against obesity.

South-East Asia breastfeeding rate

South-East Asia has the highest rate of exclusive breastfeeding for six months.

Stomach cancer mortality rates

Decreasing mortality rates for stomach cancer.

Cancer survival

5-year relative cancer survival higher in North America and Australia than Europe.

Worldwide cancer patterns

11.4 million new cases of cancer worldwide in 2004.

Alcohol

People in Europe consume the most alcohol.

Health inequalities

More than 70% of all cancer deaths occur in low & middle income countries.

New cancer vaccines developed

Two new vaccines combat cervical cancer in the UK.

Bowel cancer

Bowel cancer screening reduces the risk of dying from bowel cancer by 16 per cent.

Obesity

If current trends continue, by 2030 up to 58% of the world's adult population could be either overweight or obese.