Malta’s cancer rate may rise by 49% by 2030 – WCRF report

Cancer cases in Malta are expected to rise by a shocking 49% by 2030, according to the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF).

This puts us among the top of the league table for new cases of cancer in Europe.

In the league table of 27 EU member states - calculated using World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates for new cancer cases in 2030 - Ireland tops the list with a forecasted 72% surge in new cancer cases by 2030, followed by Cyprus (55%), Luxembourg (53%) and Malta (49%).

WCRF is highlighting the rising burden of cancer to coincide with World Cancer Day.

These figures give a stark picture of how cancer will develop around the EU in the coming years unless decisive action is taken.

Like other long-standing EU members, Malta has an ageing population where the incidence of cancer is higher, as cancer is primarily a disease that hits older people.

Studies related to the social habits of Maltese have long been suggesting higher levels of obesity, alcohol consumption and lower levels of physical activity - all of which are risk factors for developing cancer.

The WCRF report indicates that there is strong evidence that these factors increase the risk of several common cancers.

The report however says that many of these new cases could be prevented and lifestyle changes can make a real difference. In fact, scientists estimate that about a third of the most common cancers could be prevented by maintaining a healthy weight, being more physically active and eating more healthily.

In non-European countries, the predicted increase in global cancer cases between 2008 and 2030 is 67 per cent - from 12.6 million to 21.2 million. This is due to an increase in the adult population as well as an ageing population.