March 28, 2025 – A new analysis of global cancer data reveals Denmark has the highest cancer incidence rate worldwide at 349.8 cases per 100,000 people, while Gambia reports the lowest at 78.9 per 100,000. The findings, based on 2022 statistics, highlight stark differences in cancer rates across nations, driven by factors like healthcare systems and data collection.
Countries with Highest Cancer Rates
The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) and Global Cancer Observatory (GCO) data show the following countries with the highest age-standardized rates for all cancers, excluding non-melanoma skin cancer:
- Denmark: 349.8 per 100,000
- Norway: 340.3 per 100,000
- Australia: 322.4 per 100,000
- Ireland: 307.0 per 100,000
- United States: 303.6 per 100,000
Denmark’s lead position may stem from its advanced healthcare system, which tracks cancer cases thoroughly, according to the WCRF. Norway and Australia follow, with rates likely influenced by lifestyle factors and strong detection efforts. The United States ranks fifth, reflecting widespread screening programs, as noted by the GCO.
Countries with Lowest Cancer Rates
At the other end of the spectrum, the countries with the lowest reported rates include:
- Gambia: 78.9 per 100,000
- Congo, Republic of: 80.5 per 100,000
- Nepal: 80.7 per 100,000
- Niger: 81.3 per 100,000
- Rwanda: 81.4 per 100,000
Gambia’s low rate stands out, but experts caution it may reflect underreporting. The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute states that less than 2% of Africa’s population is captured in cancer registries, compared to over 85% in North America. Similar challenges apply to Congo, Nepal, Niger, and Rwanda, where limited diagnostics could mask true numbers.
What the Numbers Mean
The gap between Denmark’s 349.8 and Gambia’s 78.9 underscores global health disparities. High-income countries often report higher rates due to better tracking and detection, while lower rates in developing nations may point to data gaps rather than fewer cases. The global average sits at 186.5 per 100,000, per GCO data.
Researchers note that high-incidence countries like Denmark also tend to have better survival rates thanks to treatment access. In contrast, low-rate nations may face higher mortality due to late diagnoses, a point raised by Dana-Farber’s analysis.
Looking Ahead
The data, sourced from WCRF’s 2022 Global Cancer Data and GCO’s Cancer Today platform, calls attention to the need for improved cancer registries worldwide. Experts suggest that enhancing healthcare infrastructure in countries like Gambia could reveal more accurate rates, while high-rate nations could focus on prevention.
For now, the numbers offer a snapshot of cancer’s global reach, from Denmark’s top spot to Gambia’s bottom ranking.
Sources:
- World Cancer Research Fund, “Global Cancer Data by Country 2022,” wcrf.org
- Global Cancer Observatory, “Cancer Today Incidence Data,” gco.iarc.fr/today
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, “Which Countries Have the Highest and Lowest Cancer Rates?” blog.dana-farber.org
