History of Cancer in Timeline

Cancer is a collection of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and the potential to invade other parts of the body, distinguishing it from benign tumors. Symptoms vary but can include lumps, unusual bleeding, persistent cough, unexplained weight loss, and altered bowel habits; however, these symptoms are not exclusively indicative of cancer. There are over 100 different types of cancer that can affect humans.

1950: Cancer Death Rate Decline

Between 1950 and 2005, the cancer death rate (adjusting for size and age of the population) declined by five percent.

1971: War on Cancer Declared in the US

In 1971, US President Richard Nixon declared the "War on Cancer". Since then, the country has spent over $200 billion on cancer research.

1975: Start of Childhood Cancer Rate Tracking in the US

In 1975, tracking of childhood cancer rates began in the United States. Death from childhood cancer decreased by half between 1975 and 2010.

1978: Publication of Illness as Metaphor

In 1978, Susan Sontag published "Illness as Metaphor" while recovering from breast cancer treatment, ridiculing the idea that cancer was caused by a bad attitude.

Illness as Metaphor and AIDS and Its Metaphors

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1978: Start of Childhood Cancer Rate Tracking in Europe

In 1978, tracking of childhood cancer rates began in Europe. Between 1978 and 1997, rates of childhood cancer in Europe increased by 1.1% per year.

1990: Cancer Deaths Worldwide

In 1990, deaths from cancer were 5.8 million worldwide, with increases primarily attributed to longer lifespans and lifestyle changes in the developing world.

1990: Decrease in Lung Cancer Death Rates in Men

Since 1990, there has been a decrease in lung cancer death rates in men in the United States, mirroring the decrease in smoking rates since the 1950s.

1997: Increase in Childhood Cancer Rates in Europe

Between 1978 and 1997, rates of childhood cancer in Europe increased by 1.1% per year.

1997: Use of Immunotherapy Therapies

Since 1997, a variety of therapies using immunotherapy, which stimulates or helps the immune system to fight cancer, have come into use.

2002: Increase in Childhood Cancer Rates in the US

Between 1975 and 2002, the rates of childhood cancer in the United States increased by 0.6% per year.

2004: Share of Health Expenditure Devoted to Cancer Treatment

Between the 1960s and 2004, the share of health expenditure devoted to cancer treatment has remained close to 5% in the US.

2005: Cancer Death Rate Decline

Between 1950 and 2005, the cancer death rate (adjusting for size and age of the population) declined by five percent.

2008: Global Cancer Diagnoses

In 2008, approximately 12.7 million cancers were diagnosed, excluding non-melanoma skin cancers and other non-invasive cancers.

2010: Global Economic Costs of Cancer

As of 2010, the global total economic costs of cancer were estimated at US$1.16 trillion.

2010: Decrease in Death from Childhood Cancer in the US

Between 1975 and 2010, death from childhood cancer decreased by half in the United States.

2010: Global Cancer Deaths

In 2010, nearly 7.98 million people died from cancer, accounting for approximately 16% of all deaths.

2012: Cancer Diagnosis in Children

In 2012, approximately 165,000 children under the age of 15 were diagnosed with cancer.

2014: Meta-Analysis Finds No Relationship Between Fruits and Vegetables and Cancer

In 2014, a meta-analysis found no significant relationship between the consumption of fruits and vegetables and the risk of cancer.

2014: Reviews on Vitamin Supplementation and Cancer Risk

In 2014, a review found that supplements had no significant effect on cancer risk. Another review in 2014 concluded that vitamin D3 may decrease the risk of death from cancer, but concerns with the quality of the data were noted.

2015: Cancer Statistics Worldwide

In 2015, approximately 90.5 million individuals worldwide were affected by cancer.

2015: IARC Report on Processed and Red Meat

In 2015, the IARC reported that eating processed meat (e.g., bacon, ham, hot dogs, sausages) and, to a lesser degree, red meat was linked to some cancers.

2015: Health Care Expenditure on Cancer in the US

In 2015, the total health care expenditure on cancer in the US was estimated to be $80.2 billion.

2018: Common Cancer Types and Deaths

As of 2018, the most common cancers leading to death were lung cancer (1.76 million deaths), colorectal cancer (860,000 deaths), stomach cancer (780,000 deaths), liver cancer (780,000 deaths), and breast cancer (620,000 deaths).

2019: Preventable Risk Factors for Cancer Deaths

In 2019, approximately 44% of all cancer deaths, which equates to about 4.5 million deaths, were attributed to known and preventable risk factors such as smoking, alcohol use, and high BMI.

2019: Increase in Annual Cancer Cases and Deaths

In 2019, there was a significant increase in annual cancer cases by 23.6 million people, resulting in 10 million deaths worldwide. This represented a 26% increase in cases and a 21% increase in deaths over the previous decade.

2022: Cancer Risk in Wild Zoo Mammals

In 2022, a study explored cancer risk in wild (non-domesticated) zoo mammals across 191 species and 110,148 individuals, demonstrating that cancer is a ubiquitous disease among mammals.