WHO Warns of 77% Surge in Cancer Cases by 2050
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - The World Health Organization's cancer agency, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), issued a warning, projecting that new cancer cases will surpass 35 million in 2050, marking a 77% increase from the 2022 figure.
The IARC attributed the estimated rise to key factors such as tobacco, alcohol, obesity, and air pollution. The statement emphasized, "Over 35 million new cancer cases are predicted in 2050," highlighting the substantial surge from the approximately 20 million cases diagnosed in 2022.
The increasing global cancer burden is attributed to population aging, growth, and changes in exposure to risk factors linked to socioeconomic development. The statement specifically identified tobacco, alcohol, and obesity as major contributors, with air pollution remaining a significant driver of environmental risk factors.
The most developed countries are anticipated to experience the most significant increases in case numbers, with an additional 4.8 million new cases projected in 2050 compared to 2022 estimates, according to the WHO. In terms of percentages, countries with lower scores on the United Nations Human Development Index (HDI) are expected to witness the highest proportional increase, reaching 142%.
Countries falling within the medium HDI range are projected to record a 99% increase. The WHO also highlighted that cancer mortality in these countries is set to nearly double in 2050.
Freddie Bray, head of the cancer surveillance branch at IARC, noted, "The impact of this increase will not be felt evenly across countries of different HDI levels. Those who have the fewest resources to manage their cancer burdens will bear the brunt of the global cancer burden."
