Comparative Analysis of Cancer Incidence, Mortality, and Prevalence in China and Mexico

Abstract

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with its global burden escalating due to aging populations, lifestyle changes, and environmental factors. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the global incidence of cancer reached 19.3 million new cases in 2020, with an estimated 10 million deaths, a figure projected to rise to 28.4 million new cases annually by 2040 due to demographic shifts and risk factor prevalence [1]. The GLOBOCAN 2022 database, a cornerstone of cancer epidemiology, provides updated estimates for 185 countries, highlighting regional disparities in incidence, mortality, and prevalence. These disparities are influenced by genetic predispositions, socioeconomic conditions, healthcare access, and public health policies [2]. For instance, high-income countries exhibit higher incidence rates for cancers linked to lifestyle (e.g., colorectal, breast), while low- and middle-income countries face elevated mortality from preventable cancers (e.g., liver, cervical) due to late diagnosis and limited treatment options [3]. Age-standardized incidence rates (ASR) and cumulative risk metrics further reveal that cancer burden is not uniformly distributed, with Asia and Latin America showing distinct profiles driven by population size, urbanization, and infectious disease prevalence [4].