Cancer Around the World In 2002, 11 million new cancer cases and 7 million cancer deaths were estimated worldwide. When broken down by region of the world, ~45% of cases were in Asia, 26% in Europe, in North America, in Central/South America, 6% in Africa, and 1% in Australia/New Zealand (Fig. 77-3). Lung cancer is the most common cancer and the most common cause of cancer death in the world. Its incidence is highly variable, affecting only 2 per 100,000 African women but as many as 61 per 100,000 North American men. Breast cancer is the second. | Chapter 077. Approach to the Patient with Cancer Part 3 Cancer Around the World In 2002 11 million new cancer cases and 7 million cancer deaths were estimated worldwide. When broken down by region of the world 45 of cases were in Asia 26 in Europe in North America in Central South America 6 in Africa and 1 in Australia New Zealand Fig. 77-3 . Lung cancer is the most common cancer and the most common cause of cancer death in the world. Its incidence is highly variable affecting only 2 per 100 000 African women but as many as 61 per 100 000 North American men. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide however it ranks fifth as a cause of death behind lung stomach liver and colorectal cancer. Among the eight most common forms of cancer lung 2-fold breast 3-fold prostate and colorectal 3-fold cancers are more common in more developed countries than in less developed countries. By contrast liver 2-fold cervical 2-fold and esophageal 2- to 3-fold cancers are more common in less developed countries. Stomach cancer incidence is similar in more and less developed countries but is much more common in Asia than North America or Africa. The most common cancers in Africa are cervical breast and liver cancers. It has been estimated that nine modifiable risk factors are responsible for more than one-third of cancers worldwide. These include smoking alcohol consumption obesity physical inactivity low fruit and vegetable consumption unsafe sex air pollution indoor smoke from household fuels and contaminated injections. Figure 77-3 Patient Management Important information is obtained from every portion of the routine history and physical examination. The duration of symptoms may reveal the chronicity of disease. The past medical history may alert the physician to the presence of underlying diseases that may affect the choice of therapy or the side effects of treatment. The social history may reveal occupational exposure to carcinogens or habits such
