The Intelligence from The Economist The smaller C: progress in beating cancer
Jul 23, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Slovea Cankova, a Healthcare correspondent for The Economist, delves into recent advancements in cancer treatment, spotlighting innovative therapies and breakthroughs that shape patient care. Despite the rising cancer mortality rates, she emphasizes how modern medicine is making strides in lessening the disease's deadliness. The conversation also touches on the challenges the food industry faces, particularly with changing consumer habits that affect major brands like Kraft Heinz, weaving in the complexities of politics and consumer preferences.
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Cancer Death Rates Are Falling
- Cancer mortality rates are falling within age groups despite total deaths rising due to aging populations.
- Prevention, especially smoking reduction, has driven significant improvements, alongside better screening and treatments.
Smoking Reduction Saves Lives
- Smoking causes 80-90% of lung cancer and accounts for 20% of cancer deaths.
- Half of prevented cancer deaths in the US since the 1970s are due to reduced smoking.
Prevention Beats Cure in Cancer
- Biggest cancer gains come from prevention rather than cures.
- Cervical cancer prevention via HPV vaccination shows potential for eradication of certain cancers.