GCO CC - sporedata/researchdesigneR GitHub Wiki

General description

The Global Cancer Observatory (GCO) is a comprehensive, interactive web-based platform that provides global cancer statistics to inform cancer control and research. Developed and maintained by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the specialized cancer agency of the World Health Organization (WHO), the GCO serves as a central hub for data on cancer incidence, mortality, prevalence, and survival rates worldwide.

The "Cancer Causes" subsite offers information on the number of cases (2012) and preventable cases (1992-2012) of Breast and colorectal cancer (CRC) correlated with Obesity and Alcohol consumption in Europe by gender.

Understanding the causes of cancer is crucial for prevention and control. The WHO and IARC play a pivotal role in identifying and classifying carcinogens—substances or exposures that can lead to cancer.

Categories

The GCO encompasses several key databases:

  1. GLOBOCAN: Estimates cancer incidence and mortality in 185 countries for 36 types of cancer.
  2. Cancer Incidence in Five Continents (CI5): Offers high-quality data on cancer incidence from population-based cancer registries.
  3. International Incidence of Childhood Cancer (IICC): Focuses on cancer incidence among children.
  4. SURVCAN: Provides survival data from cancer registries in low- and middle-income countries.

Key Identified Causes of Cancer

  1. Lifestyle Factors
  • Tobacco Use: Leading cause of cancer globally, linked to lung, throat, and other cancers.
  • Diet and Obesity: High-fat diets and obesity increase the risk of various cancers.
  • Physical Inactivity: Linked to an increased risk of colon and breast cancer.
  • Alcohol Consumption: Associated with cancers of the mouth, liver, and breast.
  1. Environmental and Occupational Exposures
  • Radiation: Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and ionizing radiation.
  • Air Pollution: Outdoor and indoor pollutants can cause lung cancer.
  • Chemical Exposures: Contact with certain chemicals like benzene and formaldehyde.
  1. Biological Agents
  • Viruses: Human papillomavirus (HPV) causing cervical cancer; Hepatitis B and C viruses leading to liver cancer.
  • Bacteria and Parasites: Helicobacter pylori associated with stomach cancer; Schistosoma haematobium linked to bladder cancer.

Preventive Measures Highlighted by WHO

  • Vaccination: Against HPV and Hepatitis B to prevent related cancers.
  • Regulations: Policies to reduce exposure to known carcinogens in workplaces and the environment.
  • Public Education: Awareness campaigns about lifestyle modifications to reduce cancer risk.
  • Screening and Early Detection: Regular screenings for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers.

GCO's Contribution to Understanding Cancer Causes

By providing detailed statistics on cancer incidence and mortality, the GCO helps:

  • Identify Trends: Recognize patterns related to specific carcinogens in different regions.
  • Allocate Resources: Guide funding and resource distribution for cancer control initiatives.
  • Evaluate Interventions: Assess the effectiveness of public health policies and prevention programs.

Data access

Data access is public and can be accessed at Cancer Causes.