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The American Cancer Society has conducted research indicating that cancer rates in low-income countries are expected to rise significantly over the next two decades. A study published in the Journal of Oncology for Clinicians on April 5 predicts that by 2022, there will be 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million deaths worldwide. It is estimated that one in five individuals will develop cancer at some point in their lives, with higher rates for men and women.
By 2050, the number of people with cancer globally could reach 35 million, a 77% increase from 2022. Dr. William Dahut, Chief Scientific Officer of the American Cancer Society, attributes the rising cancer rates to factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, obesity, and an aging population. The burden of cancer is shifting from high-income countries to low-income countries, where early detection and treatment options are limited.
Experts are particularly concerned about the growing morbidity and mortality rates in third-world countries where access to quality cancer care is limited. Women in poorer countries are 50% less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer compared to women in wealthier nations, leading to higher mortality rates due to late-stage diagnosis and inadequate treatment options.
To address these challenges, efforts are needed to improve access to quality cancer care globally. This includes addressing social and economic barriers that limit early detection and treatment options for individuals living in low-income countries. Strategic investments are needed to prevent millions of cancer-related deaths by reducing exposure to carcinogens, promoting healthy behaviors, and improving access to cancer prevention and treatment services.
Dr. Jean-Yves Blay, director of public policy at the European Society of Medical Oncology emphasizes the importance of swift action to reduce exposure to carcinogens and promote healthy behaviors globally. By prioritizing cancer prevention, early detection
