Cancer cases are rising worldwide: '1 in every 5 people...'

It has been stated that one in every 9 men and one in every 12 women worldwide die due to cancer. According to World Health Organization figures, one in every five people living today will develop cancer at least once in their lifetime.

Dr. Nimet Baki, Chairperson of the Board of the Hope and Life Association (Umut ve Yaşam Derneği), made a statement on the subject, drawing attention to the increasing cancer cases and recalling that 240 thousand cancer cases were seen in Turkey in 2022.

Baki stated the following regarding the issue:

'Approximately 1 in every 5 people worldwide develops cancer during their lifetime. Meanwhile, 1 in every 9 men and 1 in every 12 women die due to cancer. A 77 percent increase in cancer cases is projected by 2050. While it is predicted that there will be more than 35 million new cancer cases worldwide in 2050, a 77 percent increase is expected compared to the estimated 20 million cases in 2022. As the global cancer burden increases rapidly, tobacco, alcohol, and obesity stand out as the primary factors behind the rise in cancer cases.'

'ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS' ARE AMONG THE PRIMARY CAUSES

Baki also draws attention to physical, psychological, and social factors defined as 'environmental factors'.

Baki notes the following regarding the causes of cancer:

'Air pollution is among the primary drivers of 'environmental risk factors' for cancer. In 2022, 240 thousand cancer cases were seen in Turkey. While improving the patient's quality of life also stands out as an important goal, this can be achieved by providing support for the patient's physical, psychosocial, and spiritual well-being and palliative care in the final stages of cancer.'

EARLY DIAGNOSIS SAVES LIVES

On the other hand, early diagnosis of cancer, thanks to developing technology and treatment methods, allows lives to be saved. Worldwide, success rates for treatment are steadily increasing when cancer is detected in its early stages.

Baki says the following about the importance of early diagnosis:

'It is known that some of the most common types of cancer, such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, oral cancer, and colorectal cancer, have high probabilities of recovery when diagnosed early and treated according to best practices. While significant differences in access to treatment stand out according to the income levels of countries, it is stated that comprehensive treatment is available in more than 90 percent of high-income countries, while it is available in less than 15 percent of low-income countries.'