Cancer cases will increase by 77% by 2050 worldwide: WHO

The factors contributing to the increase in cancer include population aging, demographic growth, and changes in exposure to risk factors associated with socioeconomic development, particularly tobacco, alcohol, and obesity.

Factors such as tobacco consumption, alcohol, obesity, and air pollution will increase the number of cancer cases detected by 2050, with figures expected to surge up to 35 million, marking a 77% increase compared to 2022. This was warned by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Based on information released by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the rapid growth of the global burden of the disease reflects both aging and population growth, as well as changes in people’s exposure to risk factors.

It is important to note that the most developed countries will experience the highest increase, with 4.8 million cases in 2050 compared to the year 2022; however, the greatest percentage increase, up to 142%, is expected to be seen in countries with lower Human Development Index (HDI), an indicator developed by the United Nations (UN).

Furthermore, the WHO indicated that countries in the middle range of the HDI will experience a 99% increase; it is projected that mortality from this disease in these countries will double by 2050.

What factors will increase cancer cases by 2050?

The factors contributing to the increase in cancer include population aging, demographic growth, and changes in exposure to risk factors associated with socioeconomic development, particularly tobacco, alcohol, and obesity.

These are identified as crucial factors in the growth of the disease incidence, while air pollution remains a significant environmental risk.

According to the WHO survey, 39% of countries include basic aspects of cancer management in their publicly funded health services for all citizens, and only 28% provide care to people in need of palliative care, highlighting the lack of coverage in this area.

Types of cancer with the highest incidence in 2022

The types of cancer with the highest incidence in 2022 were lung, breast, and colorectal cancer. Lung cancer led the list with 2.5 million new cases, followed by female breast cancer with 2.3 million cases, and colorectal cancer with 1.9 million cases.

Similarly, women in countries with a low HDI are 50% less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer than those in countries with a high HDI. However, they face a much higher risk of dying due to late diagnosis and inadequate access to treatment.

On his part, Dr. Freddie Bray, head of the Cancer Surveillance Subdivision at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), pointed out that the impact of this increase will not be uniformly felt across countries due to differing levels of HDI, and those with fewer resources to manage their cancer burden will be the most affected.

In response to this, the World Health Organization (WHO) urges urgent action and highlights the need for investments to address global inequities in cancer treatment outcomes. Access to quality oncology services should not depend on a person’s place of residence, but rather should be a global priority supported by political will and necessary resources.

Sources: El Economista, NotiPress, Infobae