Cancer cases around the world are expected to increase by around 77 % by 2050, the United Nations health agency said on Thursday, February 1.
According to the latest figures from the International Center for Cancer Research (IARC), a specialized branch of the World Health Organization (WHO), there should be more than 35 million cancer cases in 2050, against 20 million estimated in 2022.
This increase reflects both the aging and the growth of the population, as well as the evolution of the exposure of individuals to risk factors. Tobacco, alcohol and obesity are key factors, as well as air pollution.
36 Different forms of cancer
Rich countries should know the highest absolute increase in the number of cancers, with 4.8 million new additional cases planned in 2050.
However, low or intermediate income countries should experience a greater proportional increase in the number of cancers, while mortality should almost double.
Estimates from the World CD Cancer Observatory are based on the best data sources available in 185 countries and cover 36 different forms of cancer.
They were published in parallel with an WHO survey relating to 115 countries, which showed that the majority of them do not sufficiently finance the priority services to combat cancer and palliative care as part of universal health coverage.
The most widespread cancers
According to the Circ, ten types of cancer collectively represented around two thirds of new cases and deaths worldwide in 2022.
Lung cancer is the most common form of cancer in the world, with 2.5 million new cases. It represented more than 12% of all new cases and 18.9% of deaths, or 1.8 million, making it the main cause of cancer death.
Breast cancer in women arrives in second position, with 2.3 million cases worldwide, or 11.6%, but it is at the origin of 6.9% of deaths.
Other most common cancer are colorectal cancer, prostate cancer and stomach cancer.
Colorectal cancer is the second cause of cancer death, followed by liver, breast and stomach cancer.
Cervical cancer was the eighth most frequent cancer in the world, the ninth cause of cancer death and the most common cancer in women in 25 countries, many of which are in sub -Saharan Africa.
Inequalities
The ERC estimates, published on the occasion of World Cancer Day on February 4, also reveals striking inequalities, especially with regard to breast cancer.
In rich countries, one in 12 women will receive a diagnosis of breast cancer during her life and one in 71 will die, according to CIR. On the other hand, in poor countries, only one in 27 women will receive a positive diagnosis of breast cancer, but one in 48 will die.
The WHO’s survey has also revealed important inequalities in world -class cancerology services. For example, high -income countries were up to seven times more likely to include lung cancer services in their health services.
