Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases in the world, and it has been claiming lives for centuries. However, the impact of cancer on the European Union is quite alarming, with the disease taking the lives of millions of people in the region.

According to the latest statistics released by the World Health Organization, cancer claimed the lives of 1.41 million people in the EU in 2019, making it the second leading cause of death in the region, after cardiovascular diseases.

The Impact of Cancer

Cancer is a disease that affects various types of cells in the body, leading to the growth and spread of abnormal cells.

The disease can occur in different parts of the body, and it manifests itself in various forms, depending on the type and stage of cancer. The impact of cancer is devastating, and it affects not only the patient but also their families and loved ones. The treatment of cancer is complex, expensive, and can be quite challenging for patients to endure.

Cancer Mortality in the EU

According to the latest statistics from the World Health Organization, cancer claimed the lives of 1.41 million people in the European Union (EU) in 2019.

This represented 25% of all deaths in the region, making cancer the second leading cause of death in the EU after cardiovascular diseases. The most common types of cancer that led to deaths in the EU in 2019 were lung cancer, colon and rectum cancer, breast cancer, and pancreatic cancer.

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the EU, and it is also one of the deadliest. In 2019, lung cancer claimed the lives of 279,940 people in the EU, making it the most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the region.

The high mortality rate associated with lung cancer is mainly due to the fact that the disease is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, making it challenging to treat effectively.

Colon and Rectum Cancer

Colon and rectum cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the EU, claiming the lives of 156,600 people in 2019. The disease progresses slowly, and in its early stages, it can be treated effectively.

However, if left untreated, the cancer can spread to other parts of the body, making it more difficult to treat and leading to a higher mortality rate.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women, and it is also one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in the EU. In 2019, breast cancer claimed the lives of 90,640 women in the region.

The disease can occur in both women and men but is more common in women. Early detection and treatment are critical in the management of breast cancer, and the availability of effective treatments has improved survival rates in recent years.

Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest types of cancer, and it is also one of the most challenging to treat. The disease claimed the lives of 102,240 people in the EU in 2019, and survival rates for pancreatic cancer patients are low.

Late diagnosis and the aggressive nature of the cancer contribute to the low survival rates associated with this disease.

Cancer Prevention and Early Detection

Cancer prevention and early detection are critical in reducing cancer mortality rates in the EU. Prevention measures such as smoking cessation, healthy eating, and regular exercise can reduce the risk of developing cancer.

Early detection of cancer also leads to improved treatment outcomes, and cancer screening programs are available in many EU countries. It is essential to raise awareness of cancer prevention, screening, and treatment in the EU to reduce the burden of cancer in the region.

Conclusion

The impact of cancer on the European Union is significant, with the disease claiming the lives of millions of people in the region.

Lung cancer, colon and rectum cancer, breast cancer, and pancreatic cancer are the most common types of cancer that lead to deaths in the EU. Cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment are critical in reducing cancer-related deaths in the region. It is essential to raise awareness and promote healthy lifestyles to prevent cancer and reduce the burden of the disease in the EU.