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Global Cancer Facts & Figures

The Global Cancer Facts & Figures 4th Editionreport is an educational companion for “Global cancer statistics 2018: GLOBOCAN estimates of incidence and mortality worldwide for 36 cancers in 185 countries,” a scientific paper published in the American Cancer Society flagship journal, CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.

Cancer causes about 1 in every 6 deaths worldwide, more than AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria combined. Today, it is the 2nd leading cause of death (after cardiovascular diseases) worldwide and in countries with a high and very high Human Development Index (HDI).


Cancers associated with infection are almost 3 times more common in lower- and medium-HDI countries, compared with high-HDI countries. Stomach cancer is the most common infection-related cancer worldwide, followed by liver and cervical infections.

This Facts & Figures report provides an overview of the international cancer burden for selected cancers, including the estimated numbers of new cases and deaths by level of development. 

Citations, Credits, & Permissions

Suggested citation: Global Cancer Facts & Figures, 4th edition. Atlanta: American Cancer Society, Inc. 2022. 

Please note that any reproduction or re-use of this publication or portions of it should credit the appropriate edition of the American Cancer Society Global Cancer Facts & Figures publication. See the PDF contents page for more copyright info and permissions for use.

Glossary for Nonscientists

Featured Term:
Human Development Index (HDI)

HDI is a measure of development that considers the standard of living (gross national income per person) as well as life expectancy at birth and average years of schooling for adults.