Global Cancer Cases Expected to Surge as Population Ages, Impacting Nations Dramatically

Every year, millions of people around the world receive a cancer diagnosis, with millions more losing their lives to the disease. According to a report by the American Cancer Society, it is projected that by 2050, the number of people affected by cancer could increase by 77%.

The report, which was released in the journal CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians on Thursday, revealed that in 2022, approximately 20 million new cases of cancer were diagnosed, resulting in 9.7 million deaths worldwide.

Those estimates suggest that about 1 in 5 people who are alive now will develop cancer in their lifetime, and around 1 in 9 men and 1 in 12 women will die from the disease.

A photo taken in the late hours of August 17, 2020 shows a sign of the World Health Organization (WHO) at their headquarters in Geneva amid the COVID-19 outbreak, caused by the novel coronavirus. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP) (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images)

A sign of the World Health Organization (WHO) is seen in a photo taken on August 17, 2020, at their headquarters in Geneva during the COVID-19 pandemic. The outbreak was caused by the novel coronavirus. The photo was taken by Fabrice Coffrini and is credited to Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images.

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"We believe that the number of cancer cases worldwide will increase to 35 million by 2050," stated Dr. William Dahut, the chief scientific officer for the American Cancer Society. He attributed this rise mainly to the growing number of elderly individuals in the population.

According to a recent report, the growth and aging of the population are significant factors contributing to the global cancer burden. It is projected that the world's population, which is currently around 8 billion people in 2022, will reach 9.7 billion by the year 2050.

If more people in low-income countries use tobacco and have obesity, along with other risk factors for cancer, the projected number of cancer cases could increase, according to Dahut. This trend is concerning as the same cancer drivers seen in high-income countries, such as tobacco and obesity, are now affecting low-income countries.

Many countries lack the necessary resources to detect cancer early, provide effective treatment, and implement preventive measures commonly used in other nations. This raises concerns about rising rates of cancer cases and deaths, especially in low-income countries. In addition to traditional risk factors, factors like tobacco use and obesity are also contributing to the growing burden of cancer in these countries.

The most prevalent type of cancer globally is...

The new report includes global data on cancer incidence and death from the Global Cancer Observatory, a World Health Organization database.

Medical Radiology Manipulator Ludovic Foy look at his screen as he takes a lung scan on a smoking woman for the Acapulco experimentation in Ajaccio on December 16, 2021 on the French Mediterranean island of Corsica. - Corsica wants to be at the forefront of lung cancer screening, the leading cause of cancer deaths in France and particularly active on the island, thanks to the launch of a study to detect "early lung lesions" by a low-radiation scanner. (Photo by Pascal POCHARD-CASABIANCA / AFP) (Photo by PASCAL POCHARD-CASABIANCA/AFP via Getty Images)

Medical Radiology Manipulator Ludovic Foy is focused on his screen while conducting a lung scan on a woman who smokes. This is part of the Acapulco experiment taking place in Ajaccio on December 16, 2021, on the French island of Corsica. The goal is for Corsica to lead in lung cancer screening, as it is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in France. The island is particularly active in this area, launching a study to detect "early lung lesions" using a low-radiation scanner. (Photo by Pascal POCHARD-CASABIANCA / AFP) (Photo by PASCAL POCHARD-CASABIANCA/AFP via Getty Images)

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In 2022, lung cancer was the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer globally, with nearly 2.5 million new cases and over 1.8 million deaths.

According to the report, the top 10 types of cancer in both men and women made up more than 60% of newly diagnosed cases and cancer-related deaths.

The report identifies the most common types of cancer as lung, breast (in women), colorectal, prostate, stomach, liver, thyroid, cervical, bladder, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Among these, lung cancer ranks as the top cause of cancer-related deaths, followed by colorectal, liver, breast (in women), stomach, pancreatic, esophagus, prostate, cervical, and leukemia.

Cervical cancer stands out as the primary cause of cancer mortality in 37 countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, South America, and southeastern Asia. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine can lower the risk of cervical cancer, yet only around 15% of eligible girls worldwide have received the vaccine, according to the American Cancer Society. Disparities in cervical cancer screening also exist.

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Cancer rates are increasing among middle-aged individuals. According to Dr. Ahmedin Jemal, a senior vice president at the American Cancer Society, more than half of cancer deaths worldwide could be prevented. He emphasized that prevention is the most cost-effective and sustainable approach to controlling cancer. In fact, eliminating tobacco use alone could prevent 1 in 4 cancer deaths, which is approximately 2.6 million deaths each year.

"Even though the causes of cancer can be complex, including genetic and environmental factors, it is important to note that approximately 50% of cancers can be prevented," shared Dr. Bilal Siddiqui, an oncologist and assistant professor at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, who was not part of the new report.

Dr. Siddiqui emphasized the significance of regular cancer screenings tailored to individual ages and advised making lifestyle changes to lower the risk of cancer. He recommended quitting smoking, cutting down on alcohol consumption, and maintaining physical activity as key steps to reducing the risk of developing cancer.

Cancer can feel like a tidal wave approaching. According to the report, tobacco is still the main cause of lung cancer. However, effective tobacco control policies and regulations can greatly prevent this disease. To reduce the risk of other types of cancer, it is important to maintain a healthy weight, limit alcohol intake, avoid smoking, and engage in regular physical activity.

Actress Olivia Munn said on social media Wednesday that she'd been diagnosed with breast cancer.

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According to Dr. Harold Burstein, an oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and a professor at Harvard Medical School, smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. Although there are cases of lung cancer not linked to smoking, there is still much work to be done to address the widespread issue of smoking in the US and globally.

Pollution and other airborne environmental exposures are likely to increase the risk of lung cancer in many parts of the world. Therefore, it is crucial to make efforts to improve clean air and reduce exposure to airborne pollution, according to Burstein.

Another way to reduce cancer mortality is through early detection screening. In the US, there are effective screening methods such as mammography, colonoscopy, and Pap smears. However, these screenings are still not utilized enough in many parts of society. In more advanced economies like the US, there have been significant decreases in mortality rates from breast and colon cancer, with about half of the decline attributed to early detection.

The latest report shows that many low-income countries have high cancer death rates, even though they have low cancer cases. This is mainly because these countries lack access to early cancer detection tools and advanced treatment services.

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The report not only focuses on global trends in cancer but also sheds light on how cancer is increasingly becoming a major health concern in lower- and middle-income regions worldwide, according to Burstein.

"Cancer is like a big wave crashing into their communities," he mentioned.

"In many parts of sub-Saharan Africa and China, there are no screening mammograms available. And routine colonoscopies are also not common in many places around the world," he explained. "A report predicts that the number of cancer cases will double in low- and middle-income countries in the next 25 years. This means that health care systems, already under pressure, will face a major challenge in dealing with the increasing number of cancer cases, the importance of early detection and screening, and the complex treatment and care needed for cancer patients."

Editor's P/S:

The staggering rise in cancer cases worldwide is a sobering reminder of the immense toll this disease takes on humanity. The projected 77% increase by 2050 underscores the urgency of addressing the factors contributing to this alarming trend. It is imperative that we prioritize cancer prevention and early detection efforts to mitigate the impact of this insidious disease.

Furthermore, the disparities in cancer incidence and mortality rates between high-income and low-income countries highlight the need for equitable access to healthcare services and resources. The lack of screening programs and advanced treatment options in low- and middle-income regions exacerbates the burden of cancer, resulting in higher mortality rates. By investing in healthcare infrastructure and promoting preventive measures in these regions, we can make a significant difference in the lives of millions of people facing the challenges of cancer.