It is predicted that there will be more than 35 million cases of cancer during 2050, up from 20 million estimated in 2022, according to latest figures from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)a specialized branch of the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO).
The increase reflects both aging and population growth, as well as changes in people's exposure to risk factors. Tobacco, alcohol and obesity are key factors, along with air pollution.
Varied patterns
The richest countries are expected to experience the largest absolute increase in cancer, with an additional 4.8 million new cases predicted in 2050.
However, Low- and middle-income countries should see a larger proportional increase. in cancer, while mortality is expected to almost double.
IARC estimates World Cancer Observatory They are based on the best available data sources from 185 countries and cover 36 different forms of cancer.
They were published alongside a WHO survey of 115 countries which showed that most do not adequately fund priority cancer and palliative care services as part of universal health coverage.
Common cancers worldwide
Ten types of cancer together accounted for about two-thirds of new cases and deaths globally in 2022, IARC said.
Lung cancer It was the most common form worldwide with 2.5 million new cases. It accounts for more than 12 percent of all new cases and 18.9 percent of deaths, 1.8 million, making it the leading cause of cancer death.
Female breast cancer ranks second In terms of incidence, with 2.3 million cases, worldwide or 11.6 percent, but it accounted for 6.9 percent of deaths.
Other common cancers were Colorectal, prostate and stomach cancer..
Colorectal cancer was the second leading cause of cancer death, followed by liver, breast and stomach cancer.
Cervical cancer It was the eighth most common cancer worldwide, the ninth leading cause of cancer death, and the most common cancer in women in 25 countries, many of which are in sub-Saharan Africa.
Inequalities and investment
The IARC estimates, released ahead of World Cancer Day on February 4, also revealed striking inequalities, particularly in breast cancer.
One in 12 women in richer countries will be diagnosed with the disease in her lifetime and one in 71 will die from it, the agency said. However, although only one in 27 women in the poorest countries will receive a positive diagnosis of breast cancer, one in 48 will die.
These women “are at much higher risk of dying from the disease due to late diagnosis and inadequate access to quality treatment,” said Dr. Isabelle Soerjomataram, deputy director of IARC's Cancer Surveillance Branch.
The WHO survey also revealed significant global inequalities in cancer services. For example, higher-income countries were up to seven times more likely to include lung cancer services in their health care packages.
“WHO, including through its cancer initiatives, is working intensively with more than 75 governments to develop, fund and implement policies that promote cancer care for all,” said Dr. Bente Mikkelsen, Director of its Department. of Non-Communicable Diseases, underlining the need for greater investment.
