Why is the cancer incidence rate increasing worldwide?

These are the main reasons for the increasing cancer rates in recent years.

Every illness has warning signs before it manifests in the body. We just need to take care of ourselves, monitor our health, and detect diseases early for timely treatment, which can help reduce the severity of the illness or even cure it completely.

Especially, if the signs of certain types of cancer are detected early, the chances of recovery are very high.

In recent years, the incidence and mortality rates from cancer have been on the rise in most countries, particularly in developing nations. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 19 million new cancer cases and over 10 million deaths from the disease are recorded each year, with two-thirds occurring in developing countries.

In Vietnam, the GLOBOCAN 2020 report recorded over 182,000 new cases, with the death toll reaching more than 122,000. This is a significant figure to ponder, as the cancer mortality rate in Vietnam ranks very high, standing at 50 out of 185 countries.

Below are five reasons identified by experts that contribute to the rapid increase in cancer rates, including harmful habits that people engage in daily.

1. Environmental Pollution

According to MD Anderson Cancer Center (USA), more than 70% of cancer cases are due to environmental factors such as: air pollution, water pollution, etc.

A recent statistic indicates that up to 223,000 people die from lung cancer each year worldwide due to air pollution. More than half of these deaths are believed to occur in China and other East Asian countries. Rapid industrialization has significantly affected air quality in cities, filling them with dust and smoke.

A recent statistic indicates that up to 223,000 people die from lung cancer each year worldwide due to air pollution. (Illustrative image)

2. Overuse of Western Medicine

According to a study by American scientists, the long-term overuse of antibiotics and other Western medications can increase the risk of cancer.

This is because most medications are made from chemical substances that can help regulate bodily functions during illness, but when taken in excess, they can become toxic and cause numerous complications for the body.

Some types of cancer that individuals who frequently take Western medicine are at higher risk for include: breast cancer, prostate cancer, kidney cancer, ovarian cancer, etc.

Do not abuse Western medicine without a doctor’s guidance. (Illustrative image)

3. Unscientific Diet

An unscientific diet or overeating is also a reason for the rapid increase in cancer rates.

Studies have discovered a close relationship between diet and cancer. About one-third of cancer cases worldwide are related to an unscientific diet.

According to epidemiological data, excessive calorie intake and frequent consumption of unhealthy foods contribute to the prevalence of colon cancer, stomach cancer, rectal cancer, etc., as well as obesity.

An unscientific diet or overeating is also a reason for the rapid increase in cancer rates. (Illustrative image)

4. Lack of Physical Activity

Professor Van Aken, a renowned sports medicine expert, conducted controlled experiments on individuals who regularly exercise and those who are sedentary.

The results showed that those who engage in regular exercise have a 90% lower risk of developing cancer compared to those who do not exercise. Furthermore, the cancer mortality rate among physically active patients is significantly lower than in the inactive group.

Sedentary individuals have a higher risk of developing cancer. (Illustrative image)

So why can physical activity and exercise help prevent cancer? Research indicates that when muscles are active, the human body generates a higher amount of heat, which cancer cells are much more sensitive to compared to normal cells. Therefore, exercise can help eliminate them quickly.

Moreover, during exercise, the human body breathes in more oxygen, which helps to expel carcinogenic substances from the body.

5. Unhealthy Lifestyle

The development of modern Internet has significantly changed people’s lifestyle habits. Staying up late playing on phones, watching movies, and gaming are common practices among the youth, leading to a rapid increase in cancer rates, which are becoming increasingly prevalent among younger individuals.

Additionally, an unhealthy lifestyle, frequent stress, and tension can cause the body to become imbalanced, affecting the elimination processes and potentially leading to cardiovascular cancer, liver cancer, prostate cancer in men, etc.