Cancer Facts
DEFINITION
A collection of diseases in which abnormal cells can rapidly divide and invade neighbouring tissues and organs. It spreads to other parts of the body via blood and lymphatic systems (metastasis).
FACTS
• 17 million cases of cancer worldwide in 2018
• 9.6 million deaths from cancer in 2018
• Every sixth death in the world is from cancer
ECONOMIC COST
The USA in 2010 – $1.6 trillion.
CANCER MORTALITY RATES
Death within 5 years of diagnosis ( 2009 → )
• Pancreatic 94%
• Liver 83.9%
• Lung 83.4%
• Ovarian 55.8%
• Colon (Bowel Cancer) 36%
• Prostate 26% (age dependent)
• Breast 1-10% (dependent on type)
Although survival rates are improving, the rate is far too low and the number of deaths is increasing world wide.
THE FUTURE
By 2040 there will be 28 million new cases of cancer each year. The total number of deaths from cancer is increasing.
Cytotoxic and Chemotherapeutic drugs have improved and helped cure many cancers, however many patients never clear their tumours and live with chronic cancer their whole lives..
Many commonly used cancer drugs are old, e.g. platinum based drugs, 5-FU, Doxorubicin. Much of the research and development by the big pharmaceutical companies focusses on combination drugs.
THE FUTURE
By 2040 there will be 28 million new cases of cancer each year. The total number of deaths from cancer is increasing.
Cytotoxic and Chemotherapeutic drugs have improved and helped cure many cancers, however many patients never clear their tumours and live with chronic cancer their whole lives..
Many commonly used cancer drugs are old, e.g. platinum based drugs, 5-FU, Doxorubicin. Much of the research and development by the big pharmaceutical companies focusses on combination drugs.
Great hopes are pinned on immunology and oncology research. Initial research is promising…