New Delhi: The United Kingdom is bracing for a significant milestone as new research projects that the number of cancer cases in the country will surpass 2 million in 2024. Despite a remarkable 33% decline in the cancer mortality rate from 1991 to 2021, recent findings from the American Cancer Society raise concerns about the escalating incidence of specific cancers, particularly among individuals under 50.Decades of progress threatened by rising incidenceThe American Cancer Societys latest statistical report, released on Wednesday, indicates a commendable reduction of 4.1 million estimated cancer deaths in the U.S. over the past three decades. This achievement is attributed to advancements in disease management, enhanced detection methods, and a decline in smoking rates.Cancer diagnosis among younger people raises red flagsHowever, the report highlights worrisome trends, such as an increase in overall cancer incidence among individuals under 50. Specific cancers, including female breast cancer and prostate cancer, have seen concerning rises. Breast cancer incidence has steadily increased by approximately 0.6% per year since the mid-2000s, with a projected 313,000 new cases expected in 2024. Prostate cancer, despite experiencing a nearly 40% drop from 2007 to 2014, has seen a 3% annual increase.Concerns over endometrial, pancreatic cancersThe report also draws attention to rising cases of endometrial and pancreatic cancers, contributing to the projected total of 2,001,140 new cancer cases and 611,720 cancer-related deaths in the U.S. for the year 2024.State-specific projectionsProjected caseloads vary across states, ranging from a high of 193,880 in California to a low of 3,320 in Wyoming. State-specific incidence rates, calculated based on 2023 population figures, highlight variations, with Maine recording the highest at 7.67 new cases per 1,000 population and Utah the lowest at 3.97.Shifting age patterns, demographic insightsThe report indicates a noteworthy shift in age patterns among cancer patients. The proportion of new diagnoses in individuals aged 50 to 64 increased from 25% in 1995 to 30% in 2019-2020. Simultaneously, those aged 65 and older saw a decline from 61% to 58%. This shift may reflect changes in cancer risk associated with evolving exposure patterns and lifestyle factors.Persistent challenges, racial disparitiesPersistent challenges in tackling cancer are underscored by the continuous rise of colorectal cancer in younger Americans, described as “alarming” by Dr. Ahmedin Jemal, senior vice president of surveillance and health equity science at the American Cancer Society. Racial disparities persist, with black men experiencing the highest cancer incidence rates, attributed in part to structural racism and inequalities in access to prevention, early detection, and treatment.Call for action, policy measuresThe report concludes by emphasising the urgent need for increased screening in the 45 to 49 age group and for individuals with a family history of the disease. Addressing racial disparities requires a multifaceted approach, including policies that enhance health insurance coverage, improve access to care, and allocate increased funding for cancer research and screening programs.
