Cancer cases are on the rise in developing nations

February 4 is World Cancer Day.

In 2008 there were 7.6 million reported cancer deaths. Experts predict this figure to increase to a staggering 13.2 million by 2030.

The American Cancer Society reports concerns regarding an increase in cancer cases in developing countries. The report also adds that this trend will continue to increase if preventative measures do not increase.

The report highlights three major cancers usually caused by lifestyles of people – breast cancer, lung cancer and colon cancer.

Breast cancer is the cancer with highest mortality rate for women in developing countries. It used to be cervical cancer. The report believes the increase in breast cancer rates may be due to the taking on of an unhealthy lifestyle stressing the major link between breast cancer and obesity.

Lung cancer is the major source of cancer deaths for men. The numbers of lung cancer related deaths are undergoing significant decrease western countries. It is believed to be because of the regulation of tobacco use in these developed countries. However, in African and Asian counties where tobacco is rarely regulated, there is a significant rise in such figures.

There is also a decline in colon cancer cases in the US but for Eastern Europe and Asia the case is opposite. Researchers blame this on increasing obesity numbers and smoking.

Dr. Otis Brawley, American Cancer Society’s Chief Medical Officer, is calling on governments, public health agencies and businesses to develop prevention programs worldwide.