In 2024, a total of almost 1.3 million deaths from cancer are expected in the European Union, a very high number but slowing down compared to previous years: mortality rates, in fact, compared to 2018, dropped by 6.5% in men and 4.3% in women.
However, mortality from some cancers, such as colorectal cancer, is increasing among young adults.
These are some of the trends identified by a study coordinated by the University of Milan together with the University of Bologna and published today in the journal Annals of Oncology.
Overall, according to the study, in recent years in absolute numbers there has been a small increase in deaths from cancer in the EU (around 60 thousand more than in 2018), however the growth is the result of the aging of the population, while the progress against cancer have prevented over 6.1 million deaths from 1988 to today.
Among the most common cancers, the decline in mortality for lung cancer continues, but it only concerns males, for whom rates have dropped by 15% compared to 2018.
As far as women are concerned, however, the trend in mortality from breast cancer continues to be favourable, falling by 6% compared to 2018. "Progress in the diagnosis of breast cancer plays a fundamental role in the substantial drop in rates of mortality, but progress in treatments and management of the disease are the main reasons for the increase in the number of people who survive", explains Eva Negri, professor of Environmental Epidemiology and Occupational Medicine at the University of Bologna and co-leader of the research .
The study was carried out thanks to the support of the Airc Foundation and highlights lights and shadows for colon cancer: overall, compared to 2018, mortality drops by 4.8% in men and 9.5% in women.
However, in some countries there is a worrying increase in mortality in the 25-49 age group.
In particular, Italy increased by 1.5% in males and 2.6% in females compared to 2018;
+5.9% in Polish males and +5.5% in Spanish males;
a +7.2% in German women.
The increase was even larger in the United Kingdom, the subject of a separate analysis: here mortality increased by 26.1% in males and 38.6% in females.
“Key factors contributing to increased colorectal cancer death rates among young people include overweight, obesity and related health conditions, such as high blood glucose levels or diabetes,” explains the coordinator of the study Carlo La Vecchia, professor of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology at the State University of Milan.
“Policies promoting increased physical activity, reducing the number of overweight or obese individuals and limiting alcohol consumption should be considered. Furthermore, in terms of prevention, the extension of colorectal cancer screening by starting the campaign from the age of 45", concludes La Vecchia.
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