Cancer cases would increase by 77% in 2050, says WHO

The World Health Organisation (WHO) says there would be a 77 percent increase in cancer cases by 2050.

In a statement on Friday, the WHO said ahead of World Cancer Day, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), its cancer research agency, released the latest estimates. 

The health body said the IARC highlighted the growing burden of cancer, the disproportionate impact on underserved populations, and the urgent need to address cancer inequities worldwide.

“In 2022, there were an estimated 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million deaths. The estimated number of people who were alive within 5 years following a cancer diagnosis was 53.5 million. About 1 in 5 people develop cancer in their lifetime, approximately 1 in 9 men and 1 in 12 women die from the disease,” the statement reads.

“The global WHO survey on UHC and cancer shows that only 39% of participating countries covered the basics of cancer management as part of their financed core health services for all citizens, ‘health benefit packages’ (HBP).

“Only 28% of participating countries additionally covered care for people who require palliative care, including pain relief in general, and not just linked to cancer.”

The cancer agency predicted a large increase in cancer cases in coming years, adding that tobacco, alcohol, and obesity are key factors behind the increasing incidence of cancer.

“Over 35 million new cancer cases are predicted in 2050, a 77% increase from the estimated 20 million cases in 2022,” the statement reads. 

“The rapidly growing global cancer burden reflects both population ageing and growth, as well as changes to people’s exposure to risk factors, several of which are associated with socioeconomic development.

“In terms of the absolute burden, high HDI countries are expected to experience the greatest absolute increase in incidence, with an additional 4.8 million new cases predicted in 2050 compared with 2022 estimates.

“Yet the proportional increase in incidence is most striking in low HDI countries (142% increase) and in medium HDI countries (99%). Likewise, cancer mortality in these countries is projected to almost double in 2050.”