The number of cancer cases is continuously increasing. The experts thoroughly report data concerning new cases and deaths. This way, they can determine, among others, the cancer risk, its influence on the society, and the treatment effectiveness. Learn the latest data about cancers.
Data concerning cancer cases in adults, adolescents, and children are collected in computer databases, which are maintained by hospitals. This information is also sent to national registers of cancer cases. It is used to develop statistical data based on a specific population.
The registers provide the following information;
- malignant cancer incidence in the population;
- cancer mortality rate (overall and by specific cancer types);
- the most common and the rarest types of cancer in a given population;
- a risk of cancer or death from it throughout the life;
- survival rates for a given type of cancer (overall, 5-year, relative, and cancer-free).
Current data on cancer cases are publicly available. It can be found in reports of the World Health Organisation (WHO), the World Cancer Research Fund International and in national registers (e.g., the National Cancer Institute for the United States). Below, you can find more extensive information about cancer data.
Which cancers are increasing?
Information provided by the Global Cancer Observatory shows that about 17 million cancer cases were recorded all over the world in 2018. In 2020, that number increased to 19.3 million cases. On the basis of such statistical information, the experts also create forecasts for coming years. They do not look very optimistic. According to the Global Cancer Observatory, in 2040, as many as 30.2 million people will get cancer. This increase in cancer incidence will be visible in all countries.
Similar conclusions can be drawn from an analysis of data for the United States. The American Cancer Society prepared a report indicating that in 2022, the number of newly diagnosed cancer cases will slightly exceed 1.9 million. In 2020, that number amounted to 1.8 million.
The increasing trend was also noted by scientists from University of Washington School of Medicine. Their calculations show that between 2010 and 2019, the number of new cancer cases increased by as much as 26.3%.
By analysing statistical data, it can also be noted that the incidence of specific cancer types increases in successive years. They include:
Breast cancer
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers. In 2020, 2.26 million people were affected by this disease. According to the American Cancer Society, the number of new cases increases by 0.5% each year.
Thyroid cancer
In the last decade, the thyroid cancer incidence rate has grown by ca. 6% every year. This may be associated with development of diagnostic methods and improved detection. Some researchers also note the fact that the modern lifestyle contributes to development of that cancer, and hence the increased incidence.
Kidney cancer
Kidney cancer is not a very common cancer. However, from the beginning of the 21st century, an increase in this cancer incidence has been noted. The cause of that growth is unknown. Probably, this is associated with increased detection, due to modern diagnostic methods.
The observed rise in the cancer incidence is associated with demographic changes. The societies become older, and the length of life increases. And age is one of the main cancer risk factors.
The increase in the number of cancer cases is also associated with changes in lifestyle and civilisation changes. Many of them negatively affect health and may contribute to cancer development. They include air pollution, smog, tobacco smoke, or incorrect diet.
According to WHO, annually, about 400 thousand cases of cancers are noted in people aged 0 to 19 years. The most common childhood cancers are:
- leukaemias;
- lymphomas;
- brain cancer;
- Wilms tumour (malingnant neoplasm of the kidney).
According to the American Cancer Society, the number of adolescent and childhood cancers has been increasing during last decades. Data collected and published by the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) in 2016 show that since 1975, a general increase in the childhood cancers incidence of as much as 27% has occurred.
At the same time, the survival rate has risen. In accordance with data of the American Cancer Society, as many as 85% of children and adolescents survives for five years or longer. In the 1970s, that rate was at a level of only 58%. It is worth noting that childhood cancers are the second cause of death under 15 years of age.
Cancer causing higher medical costs or financial hardship
The increase in cancer incidence leads to high social and economic costs. The National Cancer Institute foresees that by 2030, necessary cancer-related expenditures will increase to USD 246 billion a year in the United States alone. However, experts emphasise that this number may be underestimated.
In 2019, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published a report indicating that as many as 25% Americans with cancer have problems with paying for their treatment. Studies conducted by the SWOG Cancer Research Network indicate that as many as 71% respondents notified financial problems within 12 months of initiation of their therapy.
The following factors are closely related to financial problems:
- low household income;
- lower level of education;
- ethnic minority background;
- living in a rural area.
Costs of treatment are higher in the case of advanced cancer. In such case, the therapy is usually more intense and more medical procedures are needed.
Economic factors greatly influence the survival of cancer patients. Lack of funds and health insurance represent obstacles in access to health care services. Patients cannot use reliable diagnostic and modern treatment methods, as well as cancer prevention and early detection.
Persisting disproportions in cancer treatment
Despite progress in medicine, disproportions in cancer treatment are still noticeable. The level of health care available and the economic situation are of great significance here. In poorer countries, the access to modern treatment methods and early diagnostics is more difficult.
Cancer survival is influenced not only by a level of the society development, but also by the type of cancer itself. Due to unspecific symptoms and diagnostic difficulties, certain types of cancer are detected only when they are already at the advanced stage. Then, therapeutic options are limited, and frequently ineffective.
Currently, the cancer incidence rates are higher in more developed countries. It is associated with the lifestyle and greater exposure to carcinogenic agents. At the same time, it is estimated that by 2040, the prevalence of neoplastic diseases will double in countries with low human development indices. Those countries are not adequately prepared for such situation.
Monitoring of cancer incidence in individual populations is very important. The statistics allow us forecasting how cancer influences the society, what is a risk of cancer development, and chances for an effective treatment. They also contribute to the improvement in the health care quality. The available data indicates that the number of new cancer cases increases with every year. Breast and lung cancers still belong to the most common malignant neoplasms. Furthermore, a rise in the number of new cases of kidney and thyroid cancers has been observed. This increasing trend is mainly caused by demographic changes. The societies are growing older, and the modern lifestyle does not promote health and may increase the cancer risk.