Health remains one of the biggest challenges worldwide. Despite advances in the medical field, the mere mention of a disease like cancer evokes fear and anxiety. In light of this, the WHO has issued a warning regarding the rising incidence of cancer worldwide. According to its latest report on the global status of cancer, the WHO stated that if countries do not take immediate action, the annual number of new cancer cases could reach approximately 35 million by 2050. Approximately 20.6 million new cases of cancer are diagnosed each year, and approximately 10 million people die from cancer.
The same report also states that cancer is already the leading cause of death worldwide, highlighting that this disease not only impacts individuals physically but also devastates entire families financially and emotionally. Medical science is making significant progress in preventing and effectively diagnosing cancer, yet people in low- and middle-income countries face difficulties in accessing timely diagnosis, medication, and appropriate treatment. The WHO believes that better prevention, early detection, and quality care can save millions of lives, but governments need to act now rather than wait.
WHO Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says that cancer is a personal disease that affects almost everyone. A person’s survival should not depend on where they were born or their income. He expressed concern about the significant disparities in cancer treatment based on location. He added that these disparities are not inevitable but the result of policy decisions that can be changed through concerted and collective efforts.
According to the WHO report, not everyone has a chance of surviving cancer. While people in wealthier countries often have better access to screening programs, advanced treatments, and specialist doctors, those in lower-income countries often discover the disease later, making treatment more difficult and expensive. The report also noted that many countries still fail to provide essential cancer medications or radiation therapy to all who need them. The high cost of treatment forces many families to delay or put off care, further exacerbating health inequalities.
Dr. Elisabeth Winderpass of the WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer said, “We are seeing some reductions in cancer rates in countries where prevention policies have been implemented, but progress has been very slow. The cancer profile is changing. Rising rates of obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, and air pollution are driving the rise in cases. Therefore, cancer prevention must remain a political priority.”
Reasons for the Rise in Cancer Cases
The WHO predicts that annual cancer cases could increase by approximately 70% over the next 25 years. There are several reasons for the 70% increase in cancer cases over the next 25 years:
- Population growth and aging
- Tobacco use
- Lifestyle changes
- Alcohol consumption
- Environment and air pollution
- Preventable infections
Cancer prevention
- Tobacco control
- Providing access to hepatitis B and HPV
- Promoting healthy eating and exercise
- Breast, cervical, and colon cancers are being fully treated when detected in the early stages. Governments should increase the number of screening camps for these purposes.
- Countries should strengthen their healthcare systems and ensure access to quality treatment, necessary medications, and supportive care.