WHO Forecasts 35 Million New Cancer Cases by 2050

Friday 02 February 2024 - 13:49

The World Health Organization (WHO) is sounding the alarm bells. In a recent report, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) predicts an explosive increase in cancer cases in the coming decades. Approximately 35 million new cases are projected to be detected in 2050, marking a staggering 77% rise from 2022.

Described as a "tsunami" of cancers by Dr. Freddy Bray, head of the Cancer Surveillance Branch at IARC, the WHO is pointing fingers at certain key factors responsible for this steep rise: tobacco, alcohol, obesity, and air pollution. The aging population and increasing exposure to these risk factors are leading to a rapid surge in the global cancer burden.

However, not all countries will be affected equally. High Human Development Index (HDI) countries are expected to experience the highest absolute increase, with 4.8 million additional cases projected by 2050. Nonetheless, the increase will be proportionally more significant in low and medium HDI countries, where cancer incidence is expected to nearly double by 2050.

Facing this major health challenge, Dr. Bray calls for strengthening healthcare systems, especially in less developed countries. Without adequate resources to support patients, these countries risk bearing a disproportionate burden associated with cancer. Urgent action is needed to reverse these alarming projections and mitigate the impact of this anticipated "wave" of cancers worldwide.