Cancer is not just affecting the elderly, but also the young; 30 million cases are expected by 2050.

News Topical, Digital Desk : Cancer remains a serious challenge worldwide. A recent comprehensive report has presented worrying statistics on the disease. The study, conducted between 1990 and 2023, revealed that despite improvements in treatment and technology, cancer cases and deaths worldwide have risen sharply. Most worryingly, the disease is most prevalent in poor, resource-poor countries.

Shocking figures revealed

The study covered 204 countries and territories around the world, analyzing 47 types of cancer and 44 risk factors. According to the report:

• In 2023: 18.5 million new cases of cancer were reported worldwide.
• Deaths: This year, approximately 1 crore 4 lakh people died due to cancer.
• Most common cancer: Breast cancer was the most common cancer in 2023.
• Deadliest: Lung cancer caused the most deaths.

The situation may become dire by 2050

In the study, scientists warned that if concrete steps are not taken soon to prevent it, then by 2050, 3.05 crore people will be suffering from cancer. At the same time, 1.86 crore people may lose their lives due to this disease, which is almost double the current figures. Although the age-related death rate due to cancer has decreased by 24 percent in economically prosperous countries, on the other hand, the rate of new cases has increased by 24 percent and 29 percent respectively in poor and low-middle income countries.

Breast cancer is expected to be the most common cancer in 2023, while lung cancer is expected to cause the most deaths. Over the next 25 years, new cancer cases are expected to increase by 60.7 percent and deaths by 74.5 percent by 2050.

Millions of deaths could be prevented

Nearly one in six global deaths is caused by cancer. Modifiable risk factors in 2023 accounted for 41.7 percent of cancer deaths. Tobacco, alcohol, unhealthy diet, high body mass index, air pollution, and harmful workplace or environmental exposures all contributed. Millions of cancers could be prevented each year if governments strengthened public health policies and facilitated healthy choices.

Model of cancer trends prepared

Using more than three decades of data, we modeled future cancer trends. Population growth and aging play a role, but widespread changes in lifestyle, urbanization, air quality, and economic development are also increasing exposure to cancer risks. Without major interventions, these trends will continue. By investing in early diagnosis, governments can offer screening for cancers such as breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer, which save lives but are rare in most parts of the world.

Cancer is also increasing among the youth

Tobacco control, air quality regulation, obesity prevention, and workplace safety have evidence bases and need to be strengthened. Health systems also need to be expanded. Access to everything from laboratories and trained oncology staff to affordable treatments must increase. High-quality data is also essential. Cancer is no longer a condition affecting only the elderly. In many regions, young people are increasingly being diagnosed with cancers that were historically seen in later stages. The consequences of this extend beyond health.

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