This paper reports the global estimates of cancer incidence, mortality and prevalence in the year 2000. Estimated values were 10.1 million new cases, 6.2 million deaths and 22.4 million persons living with cancer, which represent an increase of ∼22% in incidence and mortality since 1990. Regarding incidence and mortality, the most common cancer is lung cancer followed by breast cancer, colorectal cancer and stomach cancer, whereas regarding prevalence, breast cancer is the most prevalent followed by colorectal cancer and prostate cancer.