Cancer
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This information is intended for the general public. Please consult your doctor if you need more information.
Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020, or nearly one in six deaths. The most common cancers are breast, lung, colon and rectum and prostate cancers. Around one-third of deaths from cancer are due to tobacco use, high body mass index, alcohol consumption, low fruit and vegetable intake, and lack of physical activity. In addition, air pollution is an important risk factor for lung cancer. Cancer-causing infections, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis, are responsible for approximately 30% of cancer cases in low- and lower-middle-income countries. Many cancers can be cured if detected early and treated effectively.
Treating Cancer
We have made great strides in our understanding of cancer, but more needs to be done.
Historically, cancer was treated as a single disease, but we now know that there are more than 200 different types, each with different behaviours, rates of growth and stages of progression. Several cancer types and subtypes remain stubbornly difficult to treat and major inequalities still exist in terms of outcomes. This, tied with our growing and ageing population, and new and emerging factors (diet, environment, exposure, etc.), constitute an ever-increasing burden on society.
Our ultimate vision is to prevent and provide cures for cancer in all its forms. As no single intervention is likely to achieve this, we seek to comprehensively understand the disease, its complexities and its impact on patients. By giving our researchers the freedom to explore the cutting edge of science and technology, we deepen our understanding of the biology and immunology of cancer to make this vision a reality sooner.
For more than 50 years, we have developed innovative medicines and diagnostics that help prevent, detect, diagnose, treat and monitor cancer. We strive to transform the lives of people with cancer, as well as those who support them. Our focus thus lies in pushing for progress in cancer prevention, increasing disease awareness, developing innovative screening and diagnostic technologies, and advancing our understanding of the disease and its causes. With our leading Pharmaceuticals and Diagnostics businesses under one roof, and a strong R&D pipeline, we are better positioned to deliver personalized healthcare than any other company.
1. https://www.roche.com/solutions/focus-areas/oncology
M-PK-00002297
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