The global burden of cancer is expected to rise dramatically by 2050, according to a World Health Organization (WHO) report at a time of mounting pressure on health care systems worldwide, it also warned.
Demographic changes, unhealthy lifestyle patterns, environmental exposure and unequal access to preventive healthcare are the main reasons for the increase in cancer cases, the report states.
Health experts say that unless governments increase preventive, early detection and treatment services, millions more people will be diagnosed with cancer over the next decade. Medical advances in medicine have improved survival rates for several forms of cancer, but the number of cases continues to rise as populations increase and people live longer.
One of the biggest contributors to the rising cancer burden is the aging population. Cancer risk generally rises with age because genetic mutations accumulate over time and the body's ability to repair damaged cells gradually decreases. As life expectancy increases in many countries, it is expected that the number of people in the most vulnerable groups to cancer will grow rapidly.
Population growth is another major factor. Even if cancer rates remain stable within age groups, a larger global population naturally results in more diagnoses. Fast urbanisation and changing lifestyles in many developing countries are also contributing to increasing cancer incidence.
The WHO report identifies tobacco use as one of the leading preventable causes of cancer worldwide. Smoking continues to be associated with lung, mouth, throat, oesophagus, bladder, pancreas, and several other organs. Smoking rates have declined in some countries because of effective public health campaigns but tobacco remains a major global health problem.
Alcohol consumption is another major risk factor highlighted in the report. High alcohol intake has been associated with cancer of the liver, breast, mouth, throat, oesophagus and colon. Health experts emphasize that reducing alcohol consumption can significantly lower the risk of developing certain cancers.
Obesity and unhealthy diets are also contributing to the growing cancer burden. High-profile obesity rates in the world have been fuelled by a high consumption of processed food and drinks, low fruits and vegetables diets, sedentary lifestyles and heavy drinking. Obesity is associated with many forms of cancer including breast, colorectal, kidney, liver, pancreatic, and uterine.
Physical inactivity also compounds these risks. Regular exercise is associated with hormone levels and protein levels, weight control is good for health, immune system, and inflammation control and is associated with lower risk of cancer, and breast cancer risk. Physical activity is seen to be a part of cancer prevention as part of a whole cancer prevention strategy, and the health professionals recommend that we engage in physical activity consistently.
Environmental pollution is another area of concern. Exposure to air pollution, industrial chemicals, asbestos, ultraviolet radiation and certain occupational hazards can increase the risk of cancer over time. Climate change could indirectly affect cancer risks through environmental conditions and public health.
Some infections are still responsible for a significant share of cancers globally. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is very closely associated with cervical cancer and a number of other cancer forms and hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections are associated with a high rate of liver cancer. Vaccination against HPV and hepatitis B infections has been proven to be effective in reducing future risk of cancer.
The report also cites disparities in healthcare access between high-income and low-income countries. Many regions continue to lack cancer screening programs, diagnostic facilities, specialized treatment centres and trained healthcare professionals. The result is that patients are often diagnosed at more advanced stages when treatment is more difficult and survival rates decline.
Early detection is still one of the best ways to improve cancer outcomes. Screening programs for breast, cervical, colorectal and some other cancers, in particular, help doctors identify disease before symptoms appear and greatly enhance treatment success rates.
Medical progress continues to offer hope. Precision medicine, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, robotic surgery and artificial intelligence-assisted diagnostics are changing cancer care. Scientists are making more personalized treatments as a means to improve survival and minimize side effects.
But prevention is still the most cost-effective strategy to take. The WHO recommends that governments strengthen tobacco control policies, promote healthy diets and physical activity and expand vaccination programs, strengthen environmental protections and conduct public awareness campaigns about cancer risk factors.
Experts also stress the importance of regular medical check-ups, especially for people with a family history of cancer or other high-risk conditions. Early warning signs and subsequent medical assessment can greatly improve treatment outcomes.
The WHO report serves as a reminder that cancer is not only a medical problem but a public health issue that needs to be tackled in concert by governments, health care professionals, researchers, communities and individuals.
With early investment in preventative, screening and research and equitable health care in cancer prevention many future cancer cases can be prevented or detected earlier.
As the world moves toward 2050, addressing the factors driving the increasing cancer burden will be essential to protecting global health and reducing the human and economic impact of one of the world’s leading causes of death.
