Why Cancer Rates Are Rising and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

The incidence of cancer, a serious, worldwide health concern, is increasing. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) recently reported that an estimated 19.3 million new cancer cases occurred in 2020 worldwide. By 2040, this number is expected to increase by 47%, totaling 28.4 million cases.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified these four major worldwide trends as contributors to the increase in cancer incidence:

1. Population growth. As the world’s population grows, the number of people becoming vulnerable to cancer also increases.
2. Population aging. More people are living longer and reaching ages when cancer is more common.
3. Urbanization and globalization. More people are adopting lifestyles that may increase their exposure to cancer risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and environmental pollution.
4. Socio-economic development. Some countries are experiencing rapid economic growth and social changes that may affect their health systems and access to cancer prevention and treatment services.

With the incidence of cancer expected to increase further as the world progresses, it is important to understand the factors contributing to this rise, as well as steps we can take to reduce our own risk.

Some steps you could take to lower your risk of getting cancer are:

1. Avoiding tobacco use or exposure to secondhand smoke
2. Limiting alcohol consumption
3. Maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active
4. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and foods rich in phytochemicals, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids.
5. Protecting oneself from sun exposure and avoiding indoor tanning
6. Getting vaccinated against certain infections that can cause cancer, such as HPV and hepatitis B
7. Getting regular screening tests for some cancers, such as breast, cervical, colorectal and prostate cancers
8. Avoiding or reducing exposure to known cancer-causing substances, such as asbestos, radon and radiation.

These are some of the steps that you can take to reduce your risk of getting cancer. However, there is no guarantee that cancer can be prevented entirely. Some cancers may develop due to genetic factors or random mutations that are beyond anyone’s control.

But by taking some of these preventive steps, you may lower your risk of getting cancer and help reduce the global burden of the disease.

Sources:

• Global Cancer Incidence and Mortality Rates and Trends–An Update, National Library of Medicine
• Global Cancer Statistics 2020: GLOBOCAN Estimates of Incidence and Mortality Worldwide for 36 Cancers in 185 Countries, National Library of Medicine
• Cancer prevention: 7 tips to reduce your risk, Mayo Clinic
• How to Prevent Cancer or Find It Early, CDC
• Reducing Your Cancer Risk Thru Nutrition, Stanford Medicine-Healthcare
• Cancer statistics for the year 2020: An overview, National Library of Medicine
• Cancer, WHO