12.7 million new cases of cancer worldwide in 2008

Source: GLOBOCAN 2008 http://globocan.iarc.fr

The latest global figures show that in 2008, there were 12.7 million cases of cancer diagnosed worldwide. The highest rates of cancer were found in Australia/New Zealand and North America, and the lowest rate was in Africa. The cancer rate in Australia and New Zealand was nearly three times that in Africa.

Of the total number of cases 48% are in Asia and 25% in Europe. Only 14% of cancers diagnosed worldwide are from regions with the highest rates i.e. Australia, New Zealand and North America. This apparent disparity is likely due to the large population size in Asia.

The most common cancer in men is prostate cancer except for Asia where it is lung cancer. In all regions the most common cancer in women is breast cancer.

Age standardised incidence rates for cancer (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) in 2008

Distribution of new cases of cancer worldwide in 2008