Cases of cancers worldwide are expected to rise by nearly 75 percent in 20 years, according to a study published Friday in the Lancet Oncology. Demographic and lifestyle factors, such as more people adopting a “western” diet higher in sugar, starch, and meat, are driving the increase. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) researchers say the number of cancer cases will jump to 22.2 million by 2030 from 12.7 million in 2008, with 90 percent of the growth happening in poor countries. Along with expanded vaccinations, early detection, and effective treatments, “[t]argeted interventions can lead to a decrease in the projected increase,” the IARC reports.
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