Cancer Cases Around the World Could Go Up by 77% in 2050, WHO Estimates

According to the World Health Organization's (WHO) new estimates, global cancer cases could go up to 35 million by 2050, implying a 77% rise from the 2022 number of 20 million cases.

Cancer Statistics

The data involves 36 disease forms and 185 countries. The scientists were able to find that the most common form all over the world in 2022 was lung cancer. It accounted for 12.4% of the total, translating to 2.5 million cases. This was followed by breast, colorectal, prostate, as well as stomach cancers.

Lung cancer was also found to account for the majority of cancer deaths. The form was responsible for nearly 19%, or 1.8 million, of the total deaths.

WHO also notes that developed countries face cancer burden inequities. For instance, in nations that have an extremely high Human Development Index, one out of 12 women will have a breast cancer diagnosis, while one out of 71 will end up dying from it.

Among countries with a low HDI, one out of 27 women will receive a breast cancer diagnosis. However, one in 48 will end up dying from it. This is largely because of the lack of treatment access and late diagnosis.

Inequities in cancer services were also observed. These include stem cell transplants as well as radiation.

Global Cancer Cases Could Surge

According to Dr. Bente Mikkelsen, the director of WHO's Department of Noncommunicable Diseases, the new global survey sheds light on serious inequalities and the insufficiency of financial protection for cancer worldwide.

WHO is intensively working with over 75 government authorities to create, fund, and implement policies that could boost cancer care. For this work to expand, huge investments must address global inequities in cancer outcomes.

The researchers behind the report note various factors that drive the expected cancer surge. These factors include alcohol use, tobacco use, obesity, and certain environmental factors, such as air pollution.

According to a recent report issued by the American Cancer Society, the number of people in the US who die due to cancer is declining. This comes as incidence rates of certain cancer forms go up.

Trend of Global Cancer Cases

US cancer deaths decreased by 33% from 1991 to 2021. This was largely because of decreased tobacco use, major treatment improvements, and earlier detection. However, certain racial disparities go on. People of color are found to have higher risks.

The American Cancer Society also notes that patients with cancer are getting younger. Adults under 55 years old who received colorectal cancer diagnoses were found to rise from 11% in 1995 to a whopping 20% in 2019.

President Joe Biden has included the fight against cancer in his administration, making the fight take up a significant part. His Cancer Moonshot efforts aim to slash cancer deaths in the US by half in the next 25 years.

Dr. Cary Adams, who heads the Union for International Cancer Control, explains that while there has been progress in the early detection, treatment, and care of patients, there are significant outcomes of treatment that exist not just between high- and low-income areas but also within countries. Dr. Adams notes that the matter pertains not just to resources but also to political will.