Increase in Cancer in Low-Income Countries Due to 'Adopting Western Lifestyle'

Cancer and mortality rates due to it are increasing in low and middle-income countries due to the adoption of lifestyles and diets from Western countries. In contrast, in high-income countries, cancer and cancer-related deaths have decreased due to preventive measures. According to a report by 'United Press International', a study conducted by researchers at the American Cancer Society shows that tobacco use, obesity, and lack of physical activity have contributed to the rise of cancer in poor countries. Researchers say that the lack of healthcare and access to health centers, as well as insufficient monitoring, have resulted in many cancer cases being diagnosed too late for treatment. According to the American Cancer Society's Center for Cancer Studies, in 2012, about 14.1 million new cancer cases were added to the population, and 8.2 million people died from cancer that year. Researchers noted that the number of patients and mortality rates varied across the 50 countries studied. Despite the limitations in how studies were conducted, the differences in results between poor and wealthy countries are evident. Lindsey Torre, an epidemiologist at the American Cancer Society, states, 'A large number of cancers in Western countries have been controlled through reduced prevalence of risk factors, early detection, and improved treatment methods. In contrast, due to the increase of common risk factors in Western countries such as tobacco use, obesity, and lack of physical activity, as well as changing birth patterns, the number of lung, breast, and colorectal cancers is rising in many low and middle-income countries.' Researchers examined data collected by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the World Health Organization regarding the incidence and mortality of eight types of cancer in fifty countries worldwide from 2003 to 2012. Almost all cancers – breast, prostate, colorectal, lung, esophagus, stomach, liver, and cervical – were more prevalent in low and middle-income countries due to less monitoring and surveillance. Without mammography, Pap smears, and prostate-specific antigen tests, cancer often presents itself when treatment is no longer possible. Most cases of breast, prostate, and cervical cancers in wealthy countries, although not curable, are preventable due to regular monitoring. However, this situation is not seen in low and middle-income countries. Colorectal, breast, and stomach cancers also vary based on dietary changes, health, and antibiotic use. Lindsey Torre adds, 'This research provides key insights into the cancer epidemic and ideas on how to improve public health worldwide.'