In this chapter, we describe the variability of cancer occurrence by using measures of incidence, mortality, prevalence, and survival, according to demographic characteristics such as age, sex, socioeconomic status, and race/ethnicity, as well as geographic location and time period. We also discuss the variability of cancer occurrence in relation to changes in risk factors, screening rates, and improved treatments. The variation according to risk factors provides strong evidence that much of cancer is caused by environmental factors and is potentially avoidable.
