New cancer cases expected to rise dramatically within 15 years

The number of new cancer cases in Canada is expected to rise about 40% in the next 15 years, according to a new report, Canadian Cancer Statistics 2015. While British Columbia will continue to see some of the lowest incidence rates in the country, the average annual number of cancer cases diagnosed in our province will increase by approximately 32% during that time. The report was released today by the Canadian Cancer Society in collaboration with the Public Health Agency of Canada and Statistics Canada. It is the first time the annual report has presented long-term predictions of the future burden of cancer. The report estimates that 277,000 Canadians a year will be diagnosed with cancer by 2030. In BC, an estimated 33,630 people will be diagnosed in 2030, an increase from 25,400 this year. “For years, British Columbia has been a leader in the country in terms of our lower rates of new cancers and deaths from cancer. We wish to ensure our healthcare systems are sustainable and ready to provide high quality, timely care for everyone facing a cancer diagnosis in our province,” says Ann Marie Walsh, Team Lead, Health Promotion, Canadian Cancer Society, BC and Yukon. “We also need to continue making cancer pre- vention a priority in order to reduce future cancer incidence. We know we can stop cancer before it ever starts.” Tremendous progress has already been made in the fight against cancer, including big gains in survival rates. But Canada’s rapidly aging population – 1 in 4 Canadians will be 65 or older by 2030 – will push the country beyond its current capacity to provide adequate care for cancer patients. In addition, the population is growing in number. By 2030, there will be about 10 million more people living in Canada, an increase of nearly 30% from 2005. Planning for the greater numbers of British Columbians with cancer will require a coordinated and comprehensive plan involving healthcare systems, healthcare providers, caregivers and families. As treatment and care continue to improve, there will also be a greater need for support for the anticipated increase in cancer survivors. “BC’s population is growing and getting older, and we know that aging is linked with many cancers. However, it is never too late to make some important changes,” says Dr. Carolyn Gotay, Professor and Cana- dian Cancer Society Chair in Cancer Primary Prevention at the University of British Columbia. “About half of all cancers can be prevented. No matter one’s age, if people make healthy lifestyle choices today, they can lower their cancer risk for the future.” While the sheer number of cases will rise because of the aging and growing population, today’s report predicts that incidence rates – a measure of the risk of getting cancer – will remain steady, with rates dipping slightly for men and increasing slightly for women. Overall, BC has some of the lowest estimated cancer incidence rates in all of Canada. In BC in 2015, an estimated 13,400 men and 12,000 women will receive a cancer diagnosis. Of these newly diagnosed cases, more than half will be prostate, breast, lung and colorectal cancers. BC also has the lowest estimated cancer death rate in Canada. In 2015 in BC, there will be an estimated 10,100 deaths from cancer. Canadian Cancer Statistics 2015 was prepared through a partnership of the Canadian Cancer Society, the Public Health Agency of Canada, Statistics Canada and provincial and territorial cancer registries. For more information about Canadian Cancer Statistics 2015 visit cancer.ca/statistics. Read more on AsinaJournal.ca