Global cancer cases will jump 77% by 2050, WHO report estimates

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The number of cancer diagnoses worldwide is expected to reach 35 million in 2050, a 77% increase from 20 million in 2022, according to new estimates from the World Health Organization.

dataThe report, released Friday by the WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer, covers 185 countries and 36 forms of the disease. Researchers predict that lung cancer will be the most common cancer worldwide in 2022, with 2.5 million cases, accounting for 12.4% of the total, and breast cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer and stomach cancer in women. It turned out that it lasted. Lung cancer was also the most common cause of death, with 1.8 million deaths or almost 19% of the total.

The agency also notes the inequities in the burden of cancer across developed countries. For example, in countries with very high human development indices (measures of health, education, and standard of living attainment), 1 in 12 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and 1 in 71 will die from breast cancer. In countries with low HDI, only 1 in 27 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, but 1 in 48 will die from breast cancer. This is mainly due to delayed diagnosis and lack of treatment.

Inequities were also observed in cancer services such as radiation and stem cell transplants.

“A new WHO global survey highlights the huge inequalities and lack of economic protection against cancer around the world, with people in low-income countries especially unable to access basic cancer treatment.” said Dr. Bente Mikkelsen, WHO Director-General. non-communicable disease, the news release said. “WHO works intensively with more than 75 governments, including in the fight against cancer, to develop, fund and implement policies that advance cancer care for all. Scaling up this work There is an urgent need for major investments to address global inequalities in cancer outcomes.”

Researchers point to several factors driving the expected increase in cancer incidence, including environmental factors such as air pollution, as well as obesity, tobacco use, and alcohol use.

Although the number of people dying from cancer continues to decline in the United States, the incidence of certain forms of the disease is increasing. report The American Cancer Society announced this last month.

From 1991 to 2021, cancer deaths in the United States decreased by 33%. This is primarily due to reduced tobacco use, early detection, and vastly improved treatments. However, racial disparities still exist, with people of color facing higher risks.

The American Cancer Society report notes that cancer patients are also getting younger. For example, a previous study found that the rate of colorectal cancer diagnoses among adults under 55 increased from 11% in 1995 to 20% in 2019.

President Joe Biden has made the fight against cancer a key part of his administration. Cancer Moonshot Initiatives The goal is to halve cancer deaths in the United States over 25 years. Agencies such as NASA and the Environmental Protection Agency are working with the Departments of Health and Human Services and the Department of Veterans Affairs to join the effort.

“Despite advances in the early detection of cancer and the treatment and care of cancer patients, there are large disparities in cancer outcomes not only between high-income and low-income regions of the world, but also within countries. Where a person lives should not determine whether or not they live. Governments should prioritize cancer care and ensure that everyone has access to affordable, high-quality cancer care. Tools exist to ensure access to services. It’s not just a matter of resources, it’s a matter of political will,” said Dr. Cary Adams, president of the International Union for Cancer Control. said a Friday news release from the agency.

CNN’s Jacqueline Howard contributed to this report.