Cancer has become one of the fastest-growing health problems in the world with millions of new cases diagnosed every year.
Global health agencies predict that cancer diagnoses will continue to rise in the next decades and that it is putting immense pressure on healthcare systems worldwide. There may seem to be a reason why; demographic changes, lifestyle, environmental exposures, infections and better detection methods make it possible to do so.
Why cancer incidence is increasing is of paramount importance for individuals, policymakers and healthcare providers to take preventative measures and to have more early diagnosis.
An Ageing Population
One of the reasons for the growing number of cancer cases is the aging global population. Cancer is a disease that is mainly associated with aging because with age, genetic mutations are more common. As life expectancy is increased due to better healthcare and living conditions, more people will live long enough to develop cancer that is more frequent in older adults.
Most developed countries with ageing populations, including many developed countries, have seen a steady increase in cancer incidence because there are more elderly people than ever before.
Lifestyle Changes
Modern lifestyles have contributed significantly to cancer risk worldwide. Scientists have identified a number of modifiable risk factors that contribute to the development of various cancers.
Tobacco Use
Smoking remains the leading preventable cause of cancer in the world. It is associated with lung, mouth, throat, bladder, pancreas, kidney, and many other organs. Smokeless tobacco also increases the risk of oral cancer more frequently in South Asia.
Unhealthy Diet
Diets high in processed foods, red meat, sugar, and unhealthy fats, while lacking fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, have been associated with increased risks of colorectal, stomach, and other cancers.
Physical Inactivity and Obesity
Sedentary lifestyles and increasing obesity rates are major contributors to cancer. Excess body weight increases breast, colorectal, liver, kidney, pancreatic and endometrial cancer risk.
Alcohol Consumption
Regular and excessive alcohol consumption is associated with increased risk of cancer in the liver, breast, oesophagus, mouth, throat and colon.
Environmental Pollution
The effects of rapid industrialisation and urbanisation have increased exposure to environmental pollutants. Air pollution—especially fine particulate matter—is a cancer-causing agent. Long-term exposure to toxic chemicals such as asbestos, benzene, pesticides, and industrial waste can also increase the risk of cancer.
Occupational exposure in some industries continues to cause cancer among workers despite more safety regulations in many countries.
Infections That Cause Cancer
Not all cancers are due to lifestyle or genetics. Certain infections greatly increase cancer risk.
For example:
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause cervical and several other cancers
- Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C viruses are major causes of liver cancer
- Helicobacter pylori infection increases the risk of stomach cancer
Vaccination programmes against HPV and Hepatitis B have shown great promise in reducing future cancer cases.
Better Screening and Early Detection
Part of the increase in reported cancer cases is actually good news.
Advances in medical technology, screening programs and public awareness have enabled doctors to detect cancers much earlier than in the past. Mammograms, colonoscopies, Pap tests, low-dose CT scans and better laboratory testing have identified cancers that had previously gone unscreened.
It means that although the number of diagnosed cases rises, survival rates are also improving for many cancers because treatment begins earlier.
Genetic and Family History
Inherited genetic mutations are responsible for a smaller percentage of cancer but are still very important. People with a high risk of breast, ovarian, colorectal or prostate cancer in a family history may have a higher lifetime risk.
Genetic counselling and testing also help identify high-risk individuals and can help to better surveillance and preventive services.
Climate Change and Emerging Risks
Researchers are now focusing more on the indirect effects of climate change on cancer. Rising temperatures, deteriorating air quality, increased ultraviolet radiation exposure, changing infectious disease patterns, and food contamination may all pose potential cancer risks, but studies are still needed to understand these interactions.
Can cancer be prevented?
Many of the cancers can be prevented by having healthier lifestyles and public health measures, said health experts. Some preventive measures include:
Avoiding tobacco in all forms. Limiting alcohol consumption. Maintaining a healthy weight. Eating healthy food, fruits and vegetables as diet. Exercising every day. Protecting skin from excessive ultraviolet exposure. Getting vaccinated against HPV and Hepatitis B. Participating in regular cancer screening based on age and risk factors.
Cases of cancer are increasing globally as a result of demographic change, an ageing population, changing lifestyles, environmental change as well as infectious diseases and better diagnosis. The numbers are only going to increase as populations grow and age, but experts say early detection, preventive care, scientific research and equitable access to treatment can reduce the burden of cancer.
Governments, healthcare providers, researchers and individuals all need to respond to this rapidly growing public health problem. Countries can reduce cancer-related deaths and improve the lives of millions of people worldwide through healthier lifestyles, expanded screening programs, investment in medical innovation and access to quality healthcare by investing in the treatment of cancer patients.
