Avoidable Mortality: The Core of the Global Cancer Divide

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Global Health
• Public Policy

Background:

• Cancer incidence and mortality rates significantly correlate with national income levels.
• A substantial global cancer divide exists, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the distribution of premature cancer mortality across country income groups.
• To quantify avoidable cancer deaths using novel measurement approaches.
• To identify public policy priorities for reducing the global cancer burden.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 2015 mortality data for 16 preventable or treatable cancers.
• Application of empirical, feasibility, and social justice approaches to define avoidable mortality.
• Utilized age limits (65-75 years) and income-specific death rates for analysis.

Main Results:

• 30-50% of annual cancer deaths (2.6-4.3 million) are premature, with 70-80% occurring in LMICs.
• 36% (feasibility approach) to 45% (social justice approach) of cancer deaths are avoidable.
• Breast, colorectal, lung, liver, and stomach cancers constitute nearly 75% of avoidable deaths globally and in LMICs.

Conclusions:

• Millions of premature cancer deaths are preventable annually through targeted interventions.
• Priority areas include infection-associated cancers, lifestyle risk factors, women's cancers, and children's cancers.
• Significant opportunities exist for health systems to mitigate inequities in the global cancer divide.