Malignant Neoplasms in Serbia – Epidemiology, Risk Factors, Prevention

The paper deals with the analysis of the incidence and mortality of malignant neoplasms in Serbia. The study aimed to present the epidemiological situation regarding malignant diseases in Serbia, in comparison with some relevant data from around the world, and to provide an overview of the possibility of preventive interventions. In this paper, only publicly available data was used from The Population Register for Cancer of the Republic of Serbia, the WHO, and the work of other researchers. All data were used according to established best practices in research. It was concluded that malignant neoplasms rank second in terms of morbidity and mortality in Serbia. The incidence of malignant tumors by location is the highest for lung and bronchial cancers in men, and breast cancer in women. Notably, the morbidity rate in Serbia is lower compared to Western Europe, while the mortality rate is significantly higher. The cause of such outcomes certainly lies, at least partially, with certain risk factors and the lifestyle choices associated with them, but also in poorer material conditions. Material conditions are directly related to the level of health care development. It is necessary to focus efforts on the reduction of risk factors, the promotion of healthy lifestyles and the improvement of health care in general, which is a basic human right.