WHO Projects 85% Cancer Increase in SE Asia by 2050

The World Health Organization (WHO) has projected a significant increase in cancer cases in Southeast Asia, expecting an 85% rise in new cases and deaths by 2050, exacerbating the existing public health crisis. Efforts such as Bhutan's Health Flagship project and HPV vaccinations have been implemented to combat this trend. In India, cancer is the second leading cause of death, with an expected increase in cases by 12% to 18% due to lifestyle factors and challenges like late-stage diagnosis and lack of comprehensive registry data. Policy changes and AI technology are being used to improve affordability and early detection. The UK has also seen a troubling rise in oesophageal cancer rates, underscoring the need for increased awareness. These developments highlight the urgent need for global and regional strategies focused on prevention, early detection, and comprehensive care to address the growing cancer burden.