Four factors behind a “disturbing” rise in new cancer cases
The World Health Organization’s cancer agency warned on Thursday of an increase in malignant tumor cases by 2050.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer, a WHO affiliate, revealed that the number of new cancer cases would rise to over 35 million by 2050, an increase of 77 percent compared to the number recorded in 2022.
The agency mentioned that tobacco, alcohol, obesity, and air pollution are key factors in this expected increase.
In a statement, the agency said: “The rapidly increasing global cancer burden reflects population aging and growth, as well as changes in people’s exposure to risk factors, many of which are associated with social and economic development.”
The statement noted that “tobacco, alcohol, and obesity are major factors behind the increase in cancer cases, and air pollution remains a major driver of environmental risk factors.”
The WHO expects the most advanced countries to see the largest increases in case numbers, with an expected additional 4.8 million new cases in 2050 compared to estimates in 2022.
However, in terms of percentages, countries ranking lowest on the United Nations’ Human Development Index (HDI) will witness the largest percentage increase (142 percent). Countries with average HDI are expected to see a 99 percent increase.
The WHO added, “Likewise, cancer deaths in these countries are expected to almost double by 2050.”
Fredie Bray, head of cancer surveillance at the International Agency for Research on Cancer, explained that “the impact of this increase will not be felt equally across countries with different levels of human development index.”
He pointed out that countries “with the least resources to manage the burdens of cancer will bear the brunt of the global cancer burden.”
