What is the leading cause of cancer deaths?

Lung cancer is recognized as the leading cause of cancer deaths globally due to a combination of factors related to its prevalence and the challenges associated with its treatment. It tends to be diagnosed at later stages, which significantly reduces survival rates compared to other cancers. The primary risk factor for lung cancer is smoking, which has historically been common, leading to a high incidence of this disease.

In contrast, while breast cancer, skin cancer, and prostate cancer are prevalent and significant in terms of incidence, they generally have better treatment outcomes and lower mortality rates compared to lung cancer. For instance, early detection and advances in treatment options have improved survival rates for breast and prostate cancers. Skin cancer, particularly melanoma, can be deadly, but it has a very high cure rate when caught early. Therefore, the cancer with the highest mortality rate remains lung cancer, highlighting the importance of prevention and early detection initiatives targeted at smoking cessation and awareness of lung cancer risks.