The ecological and evolutionary meaning of cancer

Abstract

Cancer is a relevant global health problem. In many countries it already represents the first cause of death.1‒4 The patterns of incidence, prevalence and mortality due to neoplastic diseases vary considerably between developed and underdeveloped countries, registering the most unfavourable records at the level of developing nations.1‒4 In our country, during 2016, malignant tumors accounted for 24 303 deaths (13 956 men and 10 347 women); specifically in Santiago de Cuba, an age-adjusted rate of 108 was recorded, 3 deaths per 100 thousand inhabitants.5