The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a worldwide alert because the new diagnoses of cancer will go from 20.6 million to almost 35 million annually for the 2050, this due to the lack of urgent action regarding prevention, early detection and equity in medical treatments.
According to the report, issued this Wednesday, July 8, the increase in cases is driven by risk factors that yes they are preventable, among which stand out:
- Obesity
- Unhealthy diets
- Physical inactivity
- Tobacco and alcohol consumption
- air pollution
- Viruses such as HPV and Hepatitis B and C
It should be noted that the economic and social impact of cancer, not only charges 26 thousand lives daily, because the first global survey revealed that the 45% of patients face serious financial crises, where more than half develop mental health problems, also isolating its citizens.
What is the population at risk due to the increase in cancer cases?
The reality is that the increase in cancer cases will affect a specific population, because although the disease affects the entire world population, there is serious inequity. For example, in high income countries, he 87% of women with breast cancer survives 5 years, However, in low-income countries only the 42% overcomes it. Likewise, geographically speaking, Asia concentrates more than 50% of current cases, while Europe presents a disproportionate burden of 21%.
What are the urgent measures of the WHO to stop cancer?
Finally, the WHO revealed in its report the key to not reach such figures, and is to ask governments to include cancer care in the universal health coverage, thus guaranteeing access to 20 priority anti-cancer drugs. He also asked to focus health systems on the needs physical, mental and financial of the patients.
It should be noted that, at the regional level, the 40% of types of cancer can be prevented if the risk factors already mentioned are avoided and vaccination schedules are implemented. In fact, in Mexico and Latin America, health authorities keep the strategy active “90-70-90” what are you looking for eradicate cervical cancer through immunization and timely screening.
