CANCER: A GLOBAL HEALTH CHALLENGE WE CAN ACT ON

 

CANCER: A GLOBAL HEALTH CHALLENGE WE CAN ACT ON

Prevention, early detection and healthy choices can save lives.

Cancer is not just a disease affecting individuals and families—it is a global health issue affecting communities, health systems and economies across the world.

Cancer refers to a large group of diseases in which abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and may spread to other parts of the body. Today, it remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In 2024, an estimated 20.6 million people were newly diagnosed with cancer and about 9.8 million people died from it globally.

🌍 Why is cancer a global health issue?

Cancer affects people in every country, but its impact is not equal.

Many people in low- and middle-income countries face additional challenges such as limited access to cancer screening, late diagnosis, shortages of specialized healthcare services, treatment costs and inadequate access to medicines and supportive care.

The burden is also expected to grow. Based on demographic projections, global cancer cases could reach more than 35 million new cases per year by 2050, compared with about 20 million in 2022.

This means cancer prevention and early detection must become a priority—not only for hospitals, but also for families, schools, communities, governments and individuals.

📈 Why does cancer incidence continue to increase?

There is no single reason.

1. Population growth and ageing

Cancer becomes more common as people grow older because genetic damage and exposure to risk factors accumulate over time. As populations grow and people live longer, the number of people developing cancer naturally increases.

2. Tobacco exposure

Tobacco remains one of the world's most important preventable causes of cancer. The 2026 WHO/IARC analysis estimates that tobacco was responsible for about 15% of new cancer cases globally in 2022.

3. Unhealthy lifestyles

Physical inactivity, unhealthy diets and excess body weight are associated with increased risks of several cancers. Changes in lifestyles and urbanization have contributed to the growing exposure to some of these risk factors.

4. Alcohol consumption

Alcohol increases the risk of several cancers. Reducing or avoiding alcohol is therefore an important part of cancer prevention.

5. Cancer-causing infections

Some infections can contribute to cancer. Important examples include human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B and hepatitis C, and Helicobacter pylori. In 2022, infections were estimated to contribute to about 10% of cancer cases globally.

This is particularly important in many low- and middle-income countries, where infection-related cancers remain a significant burden.

6. Environmental and occupational exposures

Air pollution, ultraviolet radiation and exposure to certain carcinogenic substances in workplaces or the environment can increase cancer risk.

7. Better detection and registration

Part of the observed increase can also reflect improvements in cancer diagnosis, screening and cancer registration. As health systems become better at identifying cancer, more cases are recognized.

🛡️ What can we do to reduce the risk?

Cancer cannot always be prevented. Some cancers are influenced by inherited genetic factors, age and other factors that we cannot control.

But prevention matters.

A 2026 WHO/IARC analysis found that approximately 37% of new cancer cases in 2022—about 7.1 million cases—were linked to preventable causes.

❤️ Protect your health:

1. Avoid tobacco.

Do not smoke or use tobacco products, and avoid exposure to tobacco smoke.

2. Eat a healthy diet.

Make fruits, vegetables, whole grains and other nutritious foods part of your regular diet, while limiting highly processed foods and excessive amounts of unhealthy fats and sugars.

3. Stay physically active.

Regular physical activity contributes to overall health and can help reduce the risk of several cancers.

4. Maintain a healthy body weight.

Healthy weight management is part of reducing cancer risk.

5. Avoid or limit alcohol.

Alcohol consumption is associated with several cancers.

6. Protect yourself from cancer-causing infections.

Follow recommended vaccination programmes, including HPV and hepatitis B vaccination, and seek appropriate healthcare for persistent infections.

7. Protect your skin from excessive ultraviolet radiation.

Use appropriate sun-protection measures and avoid unnecessary exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

8. Reduce unnecessary exposure to carcinogens.

Follow occupational safety measures and appropriate protection when working around substances or environments known to increase cancer risk.

9. Know the screening recommendations in your country.

Screening can detect certain cancers or precancerous changes before they become advanced. Examples include cervical, breast and colorectal cancer screening, depending on age, sex, risk factors and national guidelines.

10. Don't ignore persistent changes in your body.

A new lump, unexplained bleeding, persistent pain, unexplained weight change, prolonged cough, changes in bowel or urinary habits, or other unusual persistent symptoms should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional. These symptoms do not automatically mean cancer, but they deserve appropriate evaluation.

🔎 Prevention + Early Detection = Powerful Protection

Cancer prevention is not about living in fear.

It is about living consciously.

We cannot control every cancer risk, but we can reduce many preventable risks. And when cancer does occur, finding it early can make treatment more effective. WHO notes that many cancers have a high chance of cure when detected early and treated appropriately.

Let's change the conversation about cancer.

Don't wait until cancer enters your family before learning about it.

Don't wait for symptoms before taking your health seriously.

Don't believe that cancer is always a death sentence.

Prevention matters.

Screening matters.

Early diagnosis matters.

Treatment matters.

Support matters.

And most importantly:

Your health deserves your attention today—not only when you become sick.

Share this message. Someone in your community may need to read it.

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Nr Antoinette Ndacyayisenga