Lung cancer is the deadliest cancer worldwide, accounting for 1.82 million deaths in 2022. The second most deadly form of cancer is colorectum cancer, followed by liver cancer. However, lung cancer is only the sixth leading cause of death worldwide, with heart disease and stroke accounting for the highest share of deaths.
Male vs. female cases
Given that lung cancer causes the highest number of cancer deaths worldwide, it may be unsurprising to learn that lung cancer is the most common form of new cancer cases among males. However, among females, breast cancer is by far the most common form of new cancer cases. In fact, breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer worldwide, followed by prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is a very close second to lung cancer among the cancers with the highest rates of new cases among men.
Male vs. female deaths
Lung cancer is by far the deadliest form of cancer among males but is the second deadliest form of cancer among females. Breast cancer, the most prevalent form of cancer among females worldwide, is also the deadliest form of cancer among females. Although prostate cancer is the second most prevalent cancer among men, it is the fifth deadliest cancer. Lung, liver, stomach, colorectum, and oesophagus cancers all have higher deaths rates among males.
Number of cancer deaths worldwide in 2022, by major type of cancer
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WHO, & International Agency for Research on Cancer. (April 26, 2024). Number of cancer deaths worldwide in 2022, by major type of cancer [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved October 31, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/288580/number-of-cancer-deaths-worldwide-by-type/
WHO, und International Agency for Research on Cancer. "Number of cancer deaths worldwide in 2022, by major type of cancer." Chart. April 26, 2024. Statista. Accessed October 31, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/288580/number-of-cancer-deaths-worldwide-by-type/
WHO, International Agency for Research on Cancer. (2024). Number of cancer deaths worldwide in 2022, by major type of cancer. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: October 31, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/288580/number-of-cancer-deaths-worldwide-by-type/
WHO, and International Agency for Research on Cancer. "Number of Cancer Deaths Worldwide in 2022, by Major Type of Cancer." Statista, Statista Inc., 26 Apr 2024, https://www.statista.com/statistics/288580/number-of-cancer-deaths-worldwide-by-type/
WHO & International Agency for Research on Cancer, Number of cancer deaths worldwide in 2022, by major type of cancer Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/288580/number-of-cancer-deaths-worldwide-by-type/ (last visited October 31, 2024)
Number of cancer deaths worldwide in 2022, by major type of cancer [Graph], WHO, & International Agency for Research on Cancer, April 26, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/288580/number-of-cancer-deaths-worldwide-by-type/