Cancer is expected to kill more than 9 million people worldwide this year, according to a report

GENEVA – In a report released Wednesday, the cancer research branch of the World Health Organization estimated there would be about 18 million new cases of cancer. Cancer overall this year and 9.6 million deaths.

The figures released by the International Agency for Research on Cancer were slightly higher than those published during the last global update in 2012, when officials expected 14 million new cases of cancer and 8 million deaths. Experts said the increase could be partly attributed to population growth and aging, but that individuals could do more to reduce their chances of getting sick.

"Many of these cases (cancer cases) could be avoided, with prevention efforts focused on some of the key risk factors we've heard about: tobacco use, alcohol consumption, lack of activity physical and unhealthy diet, "said Dr. Etienne. Krug, director of the WHO Noncommunicable Diseases Department.

Krug said it was also essential that countries ensure access to prompt diagnosis and treatment, noting: "For those with cancer, cancer should no longer be a death sentence. "

The report from the research agency indicates that nearly 44 million people worldwide are alive five years after being diagnosed with cancer. According to data from 185 countries, the report estimates that one in five men and one in six women will develop cancer during their lifetime.

UN researchers have stated lung cancer kills the most people, followed by breast cancer in women and colorectal cancer.

Since lung cancer often develops in recent decades, no decrease in the frequency of illness due to lower smoking rates will likely be observed for years.

The cancer research agency said that more than half cancer deaths will occur in Asia, where 60% of the world's population lives. Europe accounts for about 23% of cancer cases and the Americas for 21%. Africa has about 7% of the world's cancer cases, but the continent's mortality rate tends to be higher, mainly because cancers are not detected early or are not easily treatable given the limited health resources.

In developed countries, prevention efforts help lower rates of various cancers, including those of the lung and cervix, while developing countries are increasingly affected by cancers

Dr. Freddie Bray, Chief of Cancer Surveillance at IARC, predicted that there would be 29 million cases of cancer by 2040 and 16 million deaths.