The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a sobering prediction, estimating that the global number of new cancer cases will surge by 77% to over 35 million by 2050. This alarming revelation comes from a report released by the WHO’s cancer agency, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), just days before World Cancer Day on February 4.
In a comprehensive survey covering 115 countries, the WHO also highlighted a critical issue: the majority of nations are not allocating sufficient resources for cancer care and treatment. Dr. Andre IIbawi, the technical lead on cancer for the WHO, emphasized the need for increased investments in cancer prevention and control rather than turning away from the escalating crisis.
The year 2022 saw nearly 10 million deaths globally due to cancer, with approximately 1 in 5 people expected to develop cancer in their lifetime. Shockingly, 1 in 9 men and 1 in 12 women are projected to succumb to the disease. The reasons behind this ominous rise in cancer cases include factors such as population aging and growth, changes in exposure to risk factors (with air pollution being a significant environmental driver), tobacco and alcohol use, and obesity.
Tobacco use emerged as a primary contributor to lung cancer, which has become the most commonly occurring cancer worldwide. Dr. Tim Tiutan, an oncology hospitalist, highlighted the high rates of tobacco use in Asian countries, contributing significantly to mortality.
The top five cancers globally, according to IARC, include lung cancer, female breast cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, and stomach cancer. Dr. Tiutan emphasized that risk factors like tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and obesity are prevalent worldwide, with processed foods and meats contributing to higher cancer rates, particularly colorectal cancer, in Western countries.
The study also shed light on disparities in access to cancer care. Only 39% of the surveyed countries covered basics in cancer management in their health benefits packages, and a mere 28% provided coverage for palliative medicine services. The lack of access to high-quality care, including symptom management and early detection, disproportionately affects people in less developed countries, leading to higher mortality rates.
Amid these grim statistics, personal stories of triumph over cancer offer a glimmer of hope. Alexia Da Silva, a 42-year-old breast cancer survivor, shared her journey, having been diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in 2016. Despite the challenges, she found strength in the support of loved ones and now cherishes every moment in remission.
Da Silva’s story underscores the importance of resilience and unity in facing the global cancer crisis. As the WHO urges increased investment in prevention and care, individuals like Da Silva inspire others to confront the challenges of cancer with courage and hope.
 Journal Link – Global cancer burden growing, amidst mounting need for services (who.int)
