Cancer diagnoses in Italy increase in 2020 compared to last year, but only in women.
In fact, 377,000 new diagnoses are expected this year, 195,000 in men and 182,000 in women (in 2019 they were 196,000 and 175,000).
It is therefore estimated that there are approximately 6,000 more cases than in 2019, involving women.
The most diagnosed cancer, in 2020, is that of the breast (54,976, equal to 14.6% of new diagnoses), followed by colorectal (43,702), lung (40,882), prostate (36,074).
In particular, in women, the worrying growth of lung cancer continues (+ 3.4% per year), linked to smoking.
The good news is that the number of people alive after diagnosis is also increasing: they are about 3.6 million (+ 37% compared to 10 years ago).
It emerges from the report 'Cancer numbers in Italy 2020', presented at the Istituto Superiore di Sanità.
The "case" of the colorectal, in sharp decline in both sexes, is essential, thanks to the effectiveness of the screening programs.
In 2020, the incidence rates of this neoplasm are down by 20% compared to the peak of 2013. Considering all neoplasms, the effectiveness of prevention campaigns and innovative therapies determines an overall increase in the number of people alive after diagnosis .
At least one in four patients (nearly one million people) has returned to the same life expectancy as the general population and can be considered cured.
Another important figure is that relating to the overall reduction in mortality rates estimated in 2020 compared to 2015: they are decreasing in both men (-6%) and women (-4.2%), thanks to the progress made in diagnosis and in treatments.