Cancer is a Major Economic Issue

Cancer not only is the leading cause of death worldwide but it has a huge economic impact, according to an American Cancer Society report.

The amount of life and productivity lost due to cancer is greater than AIDS, malaria, the flu and other infectious diseases, the Associated Press reported.

In 2008, cancer's economic toll was $895 billion - which is equal to 1.5 percent of the global gross domestic product. That figure represents the cost of disability and years of life cost, but doesn't include treatment costs, the American Cancer Society said.

The document was to be presented this week at a global cancer conference in China, the AP reported.

(Reuters Health/ 18 August 2010)

Read more: Diseases A to Z