Global Cancer Diagnoses Expected to Reach 35 Million by 2050, Says WHO Report
A new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) has revealed that global cancer diagnoses are projected to reach a staggering 35 million by the year 2050. This represents a significant increase of 77% from the 20 million cases diagnosed in 2022. The data, released by WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer, covers 185 countries and 36 different forms of the disease.
According to the report, lung cancer was the most common form of cancer worldwide in 2022, accounting for 2.5 million cases or 12.4% of the total. This was followed by female breast cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, and stomach cancer. Lung cancer also claimed the most lives, with 1.8 million deaths or almost 19% of the total.
The report also highlighted the disparities in cancer burden across developed nations. In countries with a high Human Development Index (HDI), which measures achievements in health, education, and standard of living, 1 in 12 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and 1 in 71 will die from it. In low-HDI countries, only 1 in 27 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, but 1 in 48 will die from it. These disparities are largely due to late diagnosis and a lack of access to treatments.
Inequities were also observed in cancer services such as radiation and stem cell transplants. Dr. Bente Mikkelsen, director of WHO’s Department of Noncommunicable Diseases, emphasized the need for major investments to address these global inequities in cancer outcomes.
The report identified several factors driving the expected increase in cancer rates, including obesity, tobacco use, alcohol use, and environmental factors like air pollution. These findings align with a recent report released by the American Cancer Society, which revealed that while the number of cancer deaths in the United States continues to decline, certain forms of the disease are on the rise.
President Joe Biden has made the fight against cancer a significant part of his administration, launching the Cancer Moonshot effort aimed at reducing US cancer deaths by 50% in 25 years. Agencies such as NASA and the Environmental Protection Agency have joined the effort alongside the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The report also highlighted a concerning trend of younger cancer patients. The share of colorectal cancer diagnoses in adults under 55 has risen from 11% in 1995 to 20% in 2019. This underscores the need for continued research and efforts to combat cancer across all age groups.
Dr. Cary Adams, head of the Union for International Cancer Control, emphasized that despite progress in cancer detection and treatment, significant disparities in treatment outcomes still exist. He called for governments to prioritize cancer care and ensure that everyone has access to affordable and quality services.
The WHO report serves as a wake-up call for the global community to address the growing burden of cancer. With concerted efforts, increased funding, and a focus on equitable access to care, it is possible to make significant strides in preventing and treating this devastating disease. The fight against cancer requires not only scientific advancements but also political will and a commitment to ensuring that where someone lives does not determine whether they live.
