The Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) has released a study predicting an increase in the number of cancer cases and deaths in Canada for 2024 due to the growing and aging population. Despite this, the overall incidence rates of cancer cases and deaths are expected to decline. Cancer remains the number one cause of death in Canada, with two in five Canadians being diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives and one in four dying from the disease. The study aims to provide estimates for the number and rate of new cancer cases and deaths in 2024 for 23 cancer types by province or territory and sex.
The study projects a total of 247,100 new cancer diagnoses and 88,100 cancer deaths in 2024, up from 239,100 cancer cases and 86,700 cancer deaths in 2023. Lung cancer is expected to be the most diagnosed cancer, followed by breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers. The decline in incidence and mortality rates for cancer cases is credited to ongoing efforts in cancer prevention, screening, and treatment. Despite these declines, less common cancers such as liver and intrahepatic bile duct cancer, kidney cancer, melanoma, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma are projected to increase in incidence rates.
The study reveals that cancer mortality rates are higher in eastern Canada compared to the west, although the reasons behind this regional variation are not explored in depth. Factors contributing to this variation could include differences in risk factors, screening practices, and cancer diagnoses across the country. For example, breast cancer screening guidelines vary by province, with accessibility differing as well. The Canadian Cancer Society has called for breast cancer screening to begin at age 40 for those at average risk of the disease. The study also emphasizes the importance of expanding access to outpatient clinics for suspected cancer diagnosis.
Efforts to improve prevention and screening practices have led to decreases in cancer rates for common cancers such as lung, colorectal, and prostate. Factors such as reduction in tobacco use and organized collective screening programs have contributed to these improvements. However, increases in less common cancers like liver and intrahepatic bile duct cancer, kidney cancer, melanoma, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma are a cause for concern. These increases are tied to factors such as alcohol consumption, hepatitis B and C infections, obesity, and diabetes. Melanoma cancer, which is highly preventable, has seen rising incidence rates, emphasizing the importance of sun safety practices.
The authors of the CMAJ study recommend expanding efforts in prevention and screening at the health systems level to reduce the burden of cancer in Canada. The study highlights the need for more attention and resources in areas where progress has been made, as well as where improvements are needed. It emphasizes the importance of streamlining suspected cancer diagnosis, increasing screening participation, and providing support for patients discharged from the hospital emergency room. Overall, the study provides valuable insights for policymakers and programs to better plan and allocate resources to address the growing impact of cancer in Canada.
