Recent Study Reveals Significant Increase in Cancer-Related Deaths Over the Past 25 Years
A recent study has shown that the number of deaths due to cancer has seen a significant increase over the past 25 years, warning that these deaths could reach 18.5 million cases per year by 2050 if urgent measures are not taken.
Key Findings
The study, published in the journal "The Lancet" on Thursday, September 25, 2025, called for enhanced prevention and treatment, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
- Estimates indicate that the number of new cases in 2023 ranges from 16.4 to 20.7 million, and the number of deaths from 9.6 to 10.9 million.
- The study found that the majority of patients live in low- or middle-income countries, where challenges are exacerbated by a lack of healthcare resources.
- In 2023, breast cancer was the most frequently diagnosed, while trachea, bronchus, and lung cancers were responsible for the highest mortality rates.
Projections for 2050
Without sufficient interventions, the study predicts a 61% increase in new cases by 2050, reaching 30.5 million cases, with a 75% increase in deaths to reach 18.5 million.
- Estimates for 2050 range from 22.9 to 38.9 million new cases, and 15.6 to 21.5 million deaths.
Preventable Risk Factors
However, the study highlighted that 41.7% of cancer deaths in 2023 are linked to avoidable risk factors, such as:
- Smoking
- Unhealthy diet
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Hyperglycemia
Call to Action
Researchers emphasized that prevention alone is not enough, calling for enhanced early detection and effective treatments, in addition to increased funding and addressing healthcare inequalities. They stressed the need to intensify efforts to reduce behavioral and environmental risk factors.
Limitations of the Study
The authors of the study noted some limitations, including:
- Lack of reliable data in some countries
- Not accounting for the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic or recent armed conflicts, which could affect the accuracy of estimates.
