Global Cancer deaths expected to nearly double by 2050

A recent study by Australian researchers predicts that annual global cancer deaths will almost double by 2050. According to the study led by Habtamu Bizuayehu of the University of Queensland, around 18.5 million people are projected to die from cancer annually by mid-century, an 89.7% rise from the 9.7 million deaths recorded in 2022.

The researchers analyzed data on 36 cancer types across 185 countries, applying these findings to 2050 United Nations population estimates. They found that cancer cases could surge by 76.6%, growing from 20 million in 2022 to 35.3 million in 2050.

Countries with low Human Development Index (HDI) rankings are expected to see cancer cases and deaths nearly triple, while very-high-HDI countries may experience moderate increases. Lung cancer is set to remain the deadliest type, contributing to 19.2% of all cancer deaths globally by 2050.

The study also indicates a slight increase in cancer cases and deaths for males compared to females over the same period.

— Xinhua/RSS