A startling study warns that cancer rates are expected to rise nearly 80 percent by 2050, fueled by poor diets and a rise in cancers among young people.
The details: In 2022, there were roughly 20 million cancer cases worldwide. However, according to a new study released by doctors with the American Cancer Society, those cases will rise to 35 million by 2050 — a 77 percent jump.
What is the cause? The doctors blame rising obesity as a result of junk food diets, as well as an uptick in tobacco and alcohol use. It’s also fueled by a mysterious rise in cancers among young people.
What types of cancer are most prevalent? Globally, the leading cancers are lung (12.4 percent), breast (11.6 percent), colorectal (9.6 percent), prostate (7.3 percent), and stomach (4.9 percent).
Colorectal cancer in young people: In the U.S., colorectal cancers have seen a mysterious uptick in people under 50, who are usually less likely to get cancer.
The good news is: Cancer deaths have been trending downward in recent years as treatments improve.
- Take action: The report highlights that 50 percent of cancers are preventable. For example, eliminating smoking can prevent 25 percent of cancer deaths.
Big picture: While this report focuses on traditional links to cancer, it also comes as we’re constantly learning new ways we’re being poisoned with cancer-causing materials like forever chemicals and microplastics.
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