Global Cancer Deaths Projected to Surge 75 Percent by 2050: Lancet Study

The analysis found that in 2023, an estimated 42% (4.3 million) of the 10.4 million cancer deaths were attributable to 44 potentially modifiable risk factors, presenting significant opportunities for prevention. Tobacco use alone accounted for 21% of cancer deaths, remaining the leading risk factor globally, except in low-income countries where unsafe sex was the top contributor, linked to 12.5% of cancer deaths.

Lead author Dr Lisa Force, from IHME, University of Washington, emphasized the urgency of global action: “Cancer remains an important contributor to disease burden globally, and our study highlights how it is anticipated to grow substantially over the coming decades, with disproportionate growth in countries with limited resources.” She added, “Despite the clear need for action, cancer control policies and implementation remain underprioritised in global health, and there is insufficient funding to address this challenge in many settings.”

The study also called for improved cancer surveillance, especially in low and middle income countries, to ensure data-informed policymaking.

With cancer cases continuing to rise, researchers are urging governments and international health bodies to prioritize cancer prevention, equitable care, and robust health systems to mitigate the future impact.

Reference: The global, regional, and national burden of cancer, 1990–2023, with forecasts to 2050: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023, Force, Lisa M et al. The Lancet, Volume 0, Issue 0