IARC: Air Pollution Triggers Increase in Global Cancer Trends
Key Points:
- In 2022, there were 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million deaths, with lung cancer causing the highest number of fatalities (1.8 million).
- By 2050, cancer cases are predicted to exceed 35 million, driven by aging, population growth, and increased exposure to risk factors like tobacco, alcohol, obesity, and air pollution.
- Air pollution remains a significant environmental risk factor, and action must be taken to reduce it and help prevent cancer.
On Thursday (2/1), the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), under the auspices of the World Health Organization (WHO), released a report on cancer trends worldwide. This was done in anticipation of International Cancer Day on February 4, 2024.
It is known that in 2022 there were 20 million new cases of cancer, resulting in 9.7 million deaths. Three main types of cancer discussed are lung, breast, and colorectal cancer. Lung cancer is the type with the highest number of cases and deaths, causing 1.8 million deaths or 18.7% of all cancer deaths.
It is predicted that there will be more than 35 million new cancer cases in 2050. The rapidly evolving global cancer risk reflects both aging and population growth, as well as changes in exposure to human risk factors, some of which are related to socioeconomic development. Tobacco, alcohol, and obesity are the main factors behind the increase in cancer cases, with air pollution still being the main trigger of environmental risk factors.
With the latest report available, it is important to act now to prevent air pollution. Together, let's combat cancer by reducing air pollution.
