OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to reveal the effects of lifestyle, the environmental, health services, and demographic characteristics on cancer incidence, cancer deaths, and cancer-related years of life lost.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The population of the study is composed of 36 OECD countries. All variables used in the study were examined under four dimensions: lifestyle, environmental, health services, and demographics. The OECD database was used to obtain data on the variables used in the study over five-year periods (2000, 2005, 2010, and 2015). In order to reveal the variables affecting cancer incidence, cancer deaths, and cancer-related years of life lost, ordinary least squares regression analysis was used.

RESULTS: In consideration of research findings, the incidence of cancer is affected by variables related to lifestyle, environmental, and health services; cancer deaths and lost life years were affected by variables related to lifestyle and health services. Also, while lifestyle variables were more effective on cancer in the 2000s, in the following years, both lifestyle variables and health service-related variables were found to be effective.

CONCLUSIONS: This finding shows that the effect of health services on individuals' health levels is increasing compared to the past.