Global Cancer Explosion

Cancer cases skyrocketing around the globe by 2030

(RxWiki News) The number of cancer deaths in the United States has been sliding recently, as has the incidence of many types of the disease. The same can't be said for global cancer trends.

In fact, the disease is on an explosive course.

The number of cancer cases around the world will increase by a stunning 75 percent by the year 2030.

Every area of the planet - particularly the poorest countries - will be touched by this disease. 

"Don't smoke. Exercise. Eat foods as nature delivered them."

In a study led by Freddie Bray, PhD of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), researchers reviewed data in 184 countries using the GLOBOSCAN database to analyze past and predict coming cancer trends.

In 2008, 12.7 million new cases of cancer were diagnosed. By 2030, that number is expected to skyrocket to 22.2 million.

The number of cases of infection-related cancers is expected for fall, but that decrease will be offset by more new cases that are related to the "rapid societal and economic transition in many countries...and an increasing number of new cases that are more associated with reproductive, dietary, and hormonal factors," the authors state.

So we'll be seeing more new cases of breast, colorectal and prostate cancers that are linked to lifestyle risks including obesity.

Colorectal and prostate cancer risks have also been associated with high red meat consumption.

Cervical and breast cancer will continue to be the major menace among women, and men will be plagued by prostate, lung and liver cancers.

The authors conclude, "Targeted interventions can lead to a decrease in the projected increase... through effective primary prevention strategies, alongside the implementation of vaccination, early detection and effective treatment programmes."

This study was published June 1, 2012 in The Lancet Oncology.

No funding or conflict of interest information was provided.

Review Date: 
June 1, 2012