Researchers: Global Cancer Deaths Will Double by 2050

The number of cancer-related deaths worldwide is expected to nearly double by 2050, with a significant portion of this increase occurring in low- and middle-income countries. A new study by Habtamu Bizuaye from the University of Queensland, Australia, and his team indicates that cancer cases will rise by nearly 77% between 2022 and 2050, reaching 35.3 million new cases by 2050. During the same period, cancer deaths are projected to increase by about 90%, from 9.7 million in 2022 to 18.5 million in 2050. This research utilized recent data on 36 types of cancer across 185 countries, sourced from the Global Cancer Observatory database and United Nations population forecasts. According to these findings, countries with low or medium human development indices, such as Niger and Afghanistan, will experience a threefold increase in cancer cases and related deaths. In contrast, countries with very high human development indices, like Norway, will also see increases, but to a lesser extent, with a respective rise of 42% in cases and 56% in deaths. Andrew Chan from Massachusetts General Hospital, who was not involved in the research, believes that increased human longevity is one of the main factors driving this trend. He also noted that Western lifestyles, including rising obesity and unhealthy diets, have become significant contributors to increased cancer risk in less developed countries. This research suggests that underdeveloped countries must prepare for the growing cancer crisis with better preventive programs and healthcare infrastructure.