Cancer cases worldwide will increase by almost 80%, warns World Health Organization
The World Health Organization, through its International Cancer Research Centre, recently drew attention to alarming forecast for the coming decades: a 77% increase in cancer incidence by 2050. This figure is the result of various demographic and environmental factors and represents an important challenge for global public health.
What is the reason for this increase?
Aging and global population growth are key factors in this projected increase in cancer cases. As the population ages, the number of people at risk naturally increases. Except, variable risk factors such as smoking, alcohol, obesity and Air pollution is also contributing to this trend.
WHO predicts more than 35 million new cancer cases in 2050, representing a 77% increase from the 20 million cases estimated in 2022.
Geographical and socioeconomic diversity also influence the distribution of cases. Asia, with its large population, accounts for a significant proportion of cases.while high rates in Europe are associated with the prevalence of certain types of cancer.
What we can do?
The most common type of cancer in the study year was lung cancer. (2.5 million cases worldwide), mother (2.3 million), colorectal (1.9 million), prostatic (1.5 million) and gastric (970,000).
The demographic impact of this increase is significant because Most cases affect people over 55 years of age. This highlights the importance of focusing prevention and treatment efforts on this age group.
Cancer incidence is projected to be 77% higher by 2050 than in 2022.
A growing and aging population is contributing to the alarming growth, as are risk factors such as tobacco, obesity and air pollution. Addressing these factors will help protect people from cancer.#WorldCancerDay
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) February 2, 2024
There are also gender differences because cancer affects men moremainly due to smoking-related lung cancer.
When faced with these challenges, a holistic approach is needed. Prevention, education, research and affordable healthcare are essential. to combat the projected rise in cancer cases.
Problems of prevention and treatment
Prevention plays a critical role in the fight against cancer. It is essential to reduce exposure to risk factors. known for educational campaigns and public policy.
Those countries that have the fewest resources to combat cancer cases will suffer the most from the global burden of cancer,” explains Dr. Freddie Bray, Head of IARC Cancer Surveillance.
Early diagnosis is also importantas it increases the chances of survival and reduces treatment costs.
Finally, Advances in treatment are needed improve survival and quality of life of patients. At the moment, Lung cancer also remains the one that causes the most deaths in the world (1.8 million in 2022), followed by colorectal (900,000), liver (760,000) and breast (670,000 deaths).
Significant expected increase in cancer incidence between now and 2050 poses a serious global public health problem. A coordinated response that includes prevention, education, research and access to health care is essential.