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According to the latest data compiled by the World Health Organization’s (WHO) cancer agency, the planet is headed toward a global cancer crisis if left unchecked, with cases likely to rise to 22 million annually within the next 20 years.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) released the planet Cancer Report 2014 this week, compiling the work of more than 250 leading researchers from a lot more than 40 countries. The report-released in advance of World Cancer Day, Feb. 4, 2014-states the worldwide number of new cancer cases rose to an estimated 14 million in 2012, recent times for which information is available. Projecting for the following 2 decades, they not just predict that number will nearly double, but cancer deaths will rise from approximately 8.2 million to 13 million annually over the same period.
In 2012, the agency reports most common kinds of cancer diagnosed were:
- Lung, 13 percent of all cancers (1.8 million)
- Breast, 11.9 percent (1.7 million)
- Large bowel, 9.7 percent (1.Six million)
The cancers identified as the most typical reasons for death were lung, liver and stomach. The report editors say the alarming statistics reveal the need for prevention strategies worldwide, particularly in developing countries where such programs aren’t yet readily accessible. More than 60 percent from the world’s cancer cases contributing to 70 % of cancer deaths exist in Africa, Asia and Central and South America.
“Despite exciting advances, the report shows that we cannot treat our way out from the cancer problem,” says Dr. Christopher Wild, director of IARC and co-editor of the report inside a pr release. “More resolve for prevention and early detection is much needed in order to complement improved treatments and address the alarming rise in cancer burden globally.”
Dr. Wild says an upswing of cancer worldwide is really a major obstacle to “human development and well-being,” which alarming new statistics send a powerful message that immediate action is required “to confront this human disaster, which touches every community worldwide, without exception.”
Dr. Ann Mauer, an oncologist at Advocate Illinois Masonic Clinic in Chicago, agrees.
“The numbers actually are remarkable, but not everything surprising, unfortunately,” Dr. Mauer says. “It’s necessary that, globally, patients are offered access to recommended cancer screenings and educated on the importance of a healthy lifestyle for prevention.”
Dr. Mauer says the financial burden of treating cancer is so enormous, screening efforts are necessary to insure cases are caught within their earliest possible stages. Worldwide prevention measures, access to healthcare and private accountability can help alleviate the crisis, she says.
“I recommend following a American Cancer Society guidelines for cancer screening,” Dr. Mauer says. “There are several steps you can take to take down personal cancer risk, including limiting alcohol consumption, avoiding tobacco, eating an eating plan rich in fruits and vegetables, being physically active and limiting exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. It’s also wise to go to your doctor for routine check-ups.”
