History of Cancer in Timeline

Cancer encompasses a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled, abnormal cell growth capable of invading and spreading to other areas of the body, distinguishing it from benign tumors. Symptoms can include lumps, abnormal bleeding, persistent cough, unexplained weight loss, and changes in bowel habits. However, these symptoms are not exclusive to cancer. There are over 100 different types of cancer that can affect humans.

1950: Start of Cancer Death Rate Decline

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

1971: Declaration of the "War on Cancer"

In 1971, US President Richard Nixon declared the "War on Cancer".

1975: Leukemia is the most common childhood cancer

In 1975, 34% of childhood cancers were leukemia.

1978: Increased rates of childhood cancer in Europe

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

1978: Publication of Illness as Metaphor

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

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1990: Global Cancer Deaths

In 1990, there were 5.8 million deaths from cancer worldwide.

1990: Decline in Lung Cancer Death Rates in Men

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

1997: Increased rates of childhood cancer in Europe

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

1997: Introduction of Immunotherapy Therapies

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

2002: Increased rates of childhood cancer in the United States

Between 1975 and 2002 in the United States, rates of childhood cancer 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%.

2005: Cancer Death Rate Decline

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

2008: Cancer Diagnoses Worldwide

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

2010: Global Economic Costs of Cancer

As of 2010, the total global economic costs associated with cancer were estimated at US$1.16 trillion, which is equivalent to $1.67 trillion in 2024.

2010: Death from Childhood Cancer Decreased

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

2010: Global Cancer Deaths

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

2012: Childhood Cancer Diagnoses

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

2014: Meta-analysis on Fruits, Vegetables, and Cancer

A 2014 meta-analysis found no relationship between the consumption of fruits and vegetables and cancer risk.

2014: Vitamin Supplementation and Cancer Risk

In 2014, one review found that vitamin supplements had no significant effect on cancer risk. Another 2014 review concluded that vitamin D3 might decrease the risk of death from cancer.

2015: Cancer Statistics Worldwide

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

2015: IARC Report on Processed and Red Meat

In 2015, the IARC reported that eating processed meat, such as bacon, ham, hot dogs, and sausages, and, to a lesser extent, 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: Most Common Cancers

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

2018: Global Cancer Statistics

In 2018, estimates indicate that there were 18.1 million new cancer cases and 9.6 million deaths globally.

2019: Preventable Risk Factors and Cancer Deaths

In 2019, approximately 44% of all cancer deaths, which is about 4.5 million deaths, were attributed to known and preventable risk factors like smoking, alcohol use, and high BMI, according to a GBD systematic analysis.

2019: Increase in Annual Cancer Cases and Deaths

In 2019, there was a rise of 23.6 million annual cancer cases worldwide. Additionally, there were 10 million deaths reported globally, marking increases of 26% and 21% compared to the previous decade.

2022: Study on Cancer Risk in Zoo Mammals

In 2022, a study explored cancer risk in zoo mammals, belonging to 191 species and 110,148 individuals, demonstrated that cancer is a ubiquitous disease of mammals and it can emerge anywhere along the mammalian phylogeny.