Cancer is the second leading cause of mortality in OECD countries after circulatory diseases, accounting for 25% of all deaths in 2017. Further, there was an estimated 7.5 million newly diagnosed cases of cancer across the OECD. Common cancers are lung cancer (21.5%), colorectal cancer (11%), breast cancer (14.5% among women) and prostate cancer (9.4% amongst men). These four represent more than 40% of all cancers diagnosed in OECD countries. Mortality rates from cancer have fallen in all OECD countries since 2000, although across the OECD the decline has been more modest than for circulatory diseases.
Cancer incidence rates vary across OECD countries, from over 400 new cases per 100 000 people in Australia and New Zealand, to around 200 cases or fewer in Mexico and Chile (Figure 3.12). Cancer incidence is also comparatively low in all partner countries. Cross-country variations in incidence rates, though, reflect differences not only in new cancers occurring each year but also differences in national cancer screening policies, quality of cancer surveillance and reporting. High rates in Australia and New Zealand are mainly driven by the high incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer.
Mortality rates from cancer averaged 201 deaths per 100 000 people across the OECD (Figure 3.13). They were highest in Hungary, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia (above 240); lowest in Mexico, Turkey and Korea (165 or less). Among partner countries with comparable data, cancer mortality rates were also comparatively low in Colombia, Costa Rica and Brazil.
Earlier diagnosis and treatment significantly increase cancer survival rates. This partly explains why, for example, Australia and New Zealand have below average mortality rates despite having the highest rates of cancer incidence. In both countries, five-year net survival from common cancers is also above the OECD average (see various indicators on survival following cancer in Chapter 6).
Cancer incidence rates are higher for men than women in all OECD and partner countries; cancer mortality rates are also higher for men except in Mexico, Iceland, Indonesia and India. Greater prevalence of risk factors among men – notably smoking and alcohol consumption – drive much of this gender gap in cancer incidence and mortality.
Lung cancer is the main cause of death for both men and women, with smoking the main risk factor. It accounts for 25% of cancer deaths among men and 17% among women (Figure 3.14). Colorectal cancer is a major cause of death for men and women (second main cause for men and third for women, accounting for about 10% of cancer-related deaths for each sex). Apart from age and genetic factors, a diet high in fat and low in fibre, lack of physical activity, obesity, smoking and alcohol consumption all increase the risk of developing the illness.
Breast cancer is the second most common cause of cancer mortality in women (14.5% of deaths). While incidence rates for breast cancer have increased over the past decade, mortality has declined or stabilised, indicative of earlier diagnosis and treatment, and consequently higher survival rates (see indicator on “Breast cancer outcomes” in Chapter 6). Prostate cancer is the third most common cause of cancer mortality among men, accounting for just over 10% of all cancer-related deaths.
