Cancer (Neoplasms)

Cancer represents the second leading cause of death worldwide, encompassing over 200 distinct disease types. The global cancer burden reflects complex interactions between aging populations, environmental exposures, lifestyle factors such as tobacco use and diet, and access to screening and treatment. Cancer mortality patterns differ significantly between high-income and low-income countries.

This data is sourced from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) Global Burden of Disease Study 2023, processed via Our World in Data. Values represent each cause's share of total deaths (%) unless otherwise noted. Explore related mortality data using the links below.

Neoplasms — commonly known as cancer — are the second leading cause of death globally, responsible for approximately 10 million deaths per year. Cancer arises when cellular DNA damage leads to uncontrolled proliferation, tissue invasion, and metastasis. The disease encompasses over 200 distinct types, with lung, breast, colorectal, prostate, and stomach cancers accounting for the largest share of mortality. Ageing is the dominant non-modifiable risk factor: more than two-thirds of cancer diagnoses occur in people aged 60 and over. Modifiable exposures — tobacco (responsible for roughly 25% of all cancer deaths), alcohol, obesity, ultraviolet radiation, infectious agents (HPV, Hepatitis B/C, H. pylori), and occupational carcinogens — together explain the majority of preventable cancer burden. Geographic patterns are stark: high-income countries report higher incidence but better survival rates, while low-income countries face lower incidence but far higher case fatality due to late-stage diagnosis and limited treatment access. Globally, cancer mortality is projected to rise above 16 million deaths per year by 2040, driven by population ageing and growth.

Across 210 countries, cancer (neoplasms) accounts for an average of 17.5% of total deaths. Regional disparities are substantial: North America has the highest regional average at 28.5%, while Sub-Saharan Africa records the lowest at 8.9% — a 3.2-fold difference that underscores the geographic inequality in cancer (neoplasms) mortality burden.

Cancer prevention spans primary prevention (reducing exposure to carcinogens), secondary prevention (screening for early detection), and tertiary prevention (treatment to prevent recurrence). Tobacco control remains the highest-impact single intervention. HPV vaccination can eliminate cervical cancer and substantially reduce oropharyngeal cancers. Hepatitis B vaccination prevents liver cancer. Screening programmes for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers are proven to reduce mortality in well-resourced settings. Expanding access to pathology, surgery, radiotherapy, and essential chemotherapy in low- and middle-income countries is critical to reducing the global cancer mortality gap.

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