CNN -- Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world , particularly in developing countries . Tobacco use is one of the largest causes of cancer in the world . In 2008 a report by the International Agency for Research on Cancer revealed that , until recently , cancer was considered a disease of westernized , industrialized countries . Today the situation has changed dramatically , with the majority of the global cancer cases now found in the developing world . However , myths and misconceptions about cancer still abound . Below CNN 's Vital Signs has compiled facts from the World Health Organization about this killer disease . -- There are more than 100 types of cancers ; any part of the body can be affected . -- Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide : In 2007 , it accounted for 7.9 million deaths ( around 13 per cent of all deaths ) in 2007 . -- The five most common types of cancer that kill men worldwide are ( in order of frequency ) : lung , stomach , liver , colorectal and esophagus . -- While for women worldwide the five most common types of cancer are : breast , lung , stomach , colorectal and cervical . -- About 72 per cent of all cancer deaths in 2007 occurred in low- and middle-income countries . -- Deaths from cancer worldwide are projected to continue rising , with an estimated 12 million deaths in 2030 . -- The WHO estimates that 30 per cent of cancers can be prevented , mainly by not using tobacco , having a healthy diet and being physically active . -- Tobacco use is the single largest preventable cause of cancer in the world . -- A third of cancers could be cured if detected early and treated adequately . -- A fifth of all cancers in the world are caused by a chronic infection , for example human papillomavirus ( HPV ) causes cervical cancer and hepatitis B virus ( HBV ) causes liver cancer . Source : The World Health Organization .
The majority of cancer cases are now found in developing countries . 72 per cent of all cancer deaths in 2007 occurred in poorer countries . By 2030 , WHO estimates there will be 12 million cancer related deaths worldwide . A third of cancers can be cured if detected early and treated adequately .