A recent global study published in The Lancet journal highlights alarming trends in cancer incidence and mortality worldwide. According to the research, over 40 per cent of cancer-related deaths globally are linked to 44 preventable risk factors, including tobacco use, unhealthy diets, and high blood sugar levels.
The study warns that annual cancer deaths could increase by nearly 75 per cent over the next 25 years, potentially reaching 18.6 million. This sharp rise is driven largely by economic growth in various countries and an ageing global population. New cancer cases are also projected to rise by 61 per cent, reaching 30.5 million by 2050.
Since 1990, cancer deaths have already risen by 74 per cent, totaling 10.4 million deaths in 2023. New cases have more than doubled to 18.5 million, with the majority of this burden affecting low and middle-income countries.
### Cancer Cases in India See Significant Increase
The study reveals that India has experienced a 26.4 per cent increase in cancer rates from 1990 to 2023, one of the highest increases globally. In contrast, China has seen an 18.5 per cent decline in cancer rates during the same period.
Researchers emphasize that more than 40 per cent of global cancer deaths are linked to modifiable risk factors, presenting a major opportunity for prevention. These factors include tobacco use, unhealthy diets, and elevated blood sugar levels.
Despite the urgent need for action, cancer control policies and their implementation remain underprioritized on the global health agenda. There is also insufficient funding in many regions to effectively address this growing challenge.
Dr. Lisa Force, lead author of the study from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington, stated,
“Cancer control policies and implementation remain underprioritized in global health, and there is insufficient funding to address this challenge in many settings.”
### Data from 204 Countries Analyzed
The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, coordinated by IHME, analyzed data from 204 countries and territories to identify trends in disease patterns and quantify health loss and associated risk factors over time and across regions.
While global death rates from cancer fell by 24 per cent between 1990 and 2023, disparities persist between high-income and low-income countries. Notably, new cancer case rates increased by 24 per cent in low-income countries and by 29 per cent in lower-middle-income countries, indicating a disproportionate rise in areas with fewer healthcare resources.
“Cancer remains an important contributor to disease burden globally, and our study highlights how it is anticipated to grow substantially over the coming decades, with disproportionate growth in countries with limited resources,” Dr. Force added.
She further stressed the need for greater efforts to reduce disparities in healthcare delivery, emphasizing access to accurate and timely diagnosis and quality treatment to ensure equitable cancer outcomes worldwide.
### Future Projections Highlight Urgent Need for Action
The authors of the study forecast that by 2050, there will be approximately 30.5 million new cancer cases and 18.6 million cancer deaths globally — representing increases of 60.7 per cent and 74.5 per cent respectively from 2024 figures.
These projections underscore the urgent need for enhanced cancer prevention strategies, improved healthcare infrastructure, and increased funding to mitigate this looming global health crisis.
*(PTI inputs)*
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