As per the analysis conducted by the Global Burden of Disease Cancer Collaborators, at least 30.5 million people worldwide are forecast to receive a new cancer diagnosis in 2050.

Key findings of the study

• Modifiable risk factors: At least 42% deaths globally in 2023 were attributable to 44 potentially modifiable risk factors, including tobacco use, an unhealthy diet and high blood sugar.
  • It represents enormous opportunity for prevention.
• Deadliest cancers worldwide: Lung cancer, Breast cancer, Stomach cancer, Prostate cancer and Cervical cancer respectively. 
  • Increases in deaths are greater in low-income and middle-income countries compared with high-income countries.
• Finding related to India
  • India ranks 168th out of 204 countries for cancer death rates.
  • Breast cancer and Lung cancer major contributors in India.

Primary Causes of cancer

• Occupational risks: Workplace-related exposures, Air pollution.
• Infections: Unsafe sex, HPV (cervical cancer risk).
• Lifestyle changes: Rising obesity, High blood sugar, High alcohol use, changing diets affecting breast cancer risk.
• Cultural, Geographic factors
  • Betel nut/Pan consumption: Direct link to high oral cancer rates.
  • Hot beverages: Oesophageal cancer.
  • Tobacco: Smoking, chewing, bidis (lung, oral cancers).