Deaths from cancer would increase by 90% by 2050

The number of cancer cases and deaths linked to this disease will increase considerably, according to a team of Australian researchers.

Melanie Rannow / t-online

Few diseases cause as much fear and worry as cancer. We all face it one day or another, either directly or through loved ones. A recent Australian study presents grim predictions for the future.

In 2022, approximately 20 million people worldwide suffered from cancer. Among them, 9.7 million, or almost half, died. These alarming figures come from a study led by Habtamu Mellie Bizuayehu of the University of Queensland in Brisbane. Published in the journal JAMA Network Openthe work focuses on the current situation and establishes projections for 2050.

90% additional deaths

According to researchers, cancer is expected to spread dramatically globally by 2050. The number of cases could jump 77% to 35.3 million, while deaths would increase by almost 90% to reach 18.5 million.

However, this increase will not be uniform. Rich countries are expected to see a more moderate increase (42% of cases and 57% of deaths). Conversely, the poorest regions could see these figures triple, both for new cases and for deaths.

Lung cancer, in the lead

The study analyzed 36 types of cancers in 185 countries, taking into account patients’ age, gender and place of residence. In 2022, breast cancer was the most commonfollowed by prostate, colorectal, lung and non-melanocytic skin cancers. However, lung cancer remains the leading cause of death.

Projections for 2050 confirm this trend: lung cancer is still expected to lead, accounting for around a fifth of cancer-related deaths worldwide.

Men more affected by cancer than women

The study also reveals a gender disparity. Men already develop cancer more often than women, and this gap is expected to widen further. By 2050, the incidence of cancer in men could increase by 84%, compared to 68% in women.

These differences are not only explained by biological factors, but also behavioral ones. Men undertake screening less often and consume more alcohol and tobacco, avoidable risk factors.

For Habtamu Mellie Bizuayehu, these predictions call for global action:

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Translated and adapted from German by Tanja Maeder

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