In its latest report on global cancer burden, the World Health Organization (WHO)'s cancer agency, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), predicts more than 35 million new cancer cases in 2025, which is a 77% increase from the estimated 20 million cases in 2022.
Although developing countries will see a higher number of new cancer cases, with an additional 4.8 million by 2050, the proportional increase will be much steeper in low- and middle-income countries, with a potential doubling of cancer cases and mortality compared to 2022.
The IARC estimates were based on the best sources of data available from 185 countries, highlighting the growing burden of cancer in developing nations and requiring urgent attention and resources to address this escalating public health challenge.
At the same time, the global WHO survey on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and cancer revealed that only 39% of participating countries (115) financially supported cancer management as part of universal health coverage.
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Lung, Breast, And Colorectal Cancer Among The Biggest Concerns
The latest estimates from IARC’s Global Cancer Observatory cover 36 different forms of cancer, of which ten types collectively comprise around two-thirds of new cases and deaths globally in 2022.
While lung cancer was the most commonly occurring cancer worldwide, accounting for 12.4% of the total new cases, breast cancer was the second highest occurring cancer, with 2.3 million cases. This was followed by colorectal, prostate, and stomach cancer.
Colorectal cancer also ranks as the second-leading cause of cancer death, followed by liver, breast, and stomach cancer.
Understanding The Risk Factors
According to Dr N Thejeswar, Oncologist, Apollo Clinic, Manikonda, the rising trend in cancer cases projected by the WHO is multifactorial, stemming from various interconnected elements.
"Primarily, lifestyle changes have contributed significantly, with factors such as sedentary habits, unhealthy diets high in processed foods, reduced physical activity, obesity, nulliparity (women who haven't given birth), higher age at first childbirth, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption being major culprits," he told OnlyMyHealth.
Environmental factors, including pollution and exposure to carcinogens, also play a pivotal role, along with age as a significant risk factor, the doctor shared, adding that improved diagnostic techniques and increased awareness may also contribute to the apparent rise in the number of new cases by detecting cases that might have previously gone undiagnosed.
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How To Mitigate The Risk
Diet plays a critical role in reducing your risk of cancer.
Dr Ashwin K R, HOD-Surgical Oncology, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru, shared that opting for a balanced diet that includes whole grains and fibre-rich foods is associated with a lower risk of developing cancer.
“Conversely, reducing the consumption of processed, refined foods, and sugars is advised,” he added.
Dr Thejeswar advised encouraging healthy lifestyle choices, such as regular physical activity, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption.
Moreover, implementing stringent environmental regulations to minimise exposure to carcinogens and pollutants and enhancing access to early detection and screening programs can facilitate timely intervention and treatment, he added.
Cervical Cancer: One Of The Most Preventable Form Of Cancer
As per the latest IARC estimates, cervical cancer was the eighth most commonly occurring cancer globally, the ninth leading cause of cancer death, and the most common cancer in women in 25 countries.
Almost all cervical cancer cases are linked to infection with the Human Papillomaviruses (HPV), a common Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI), as per the WHO. However, the good news is that up to 93% of cervical cancers are preventable, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
On February 1, India's Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman put forward the government’s plan to focus on vaccination against cervical cancer among girls aged 9–14.
According to Dr Ashwin, the Indian government's HPV vaccination initiative holds immense promise for achieving the WHO target of vaccinating 90% of girls by age 15.
Not only that, but HPV vaccination also helps protect against other HPV-related cancers, such as anal, oropharyngeal, penile, vulvar, and vaginal cancers, potentially saving countless lives.