77% surge in cancer cases by 2050: WHO shares shocking prediction

Ahead of World Cancer Day 2024, the World Health Organisation issued a major warning. The World Health Organization's cancer agency, the International Agency for Research on Cancer warned that cancer cases will rise by 77% by 2050, reaching over 35 million cases annually. The organisation has attributed the alarming increase in cancer cases due to lifestyle and environmental factors, with tobacco, alcohol, obesity, and air pollution identified as the key reasons.

What did WHO warn of?

WHO published survey results from 115 countries and revealed that majority of countries do not adequately finance priority cancer and palliative care services as part of universal health coverage (UHC).

The same report also warned that there might be a 77% surge in cancer cases in the next 25 years. Tobacco, alcohol, and obesity play pivotal roles alongside persistent air pollution.

"The impact of this increase will not be felt evenly across countries with different HDI levels. Those who have the fewest resources to manage their cancer burdens will bear the brunt of the global cancer burden," says Dr Freddie Bray, Head of the Cancer Surveillance Branch at IARC.

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