The number of new cancer cases in Canada is expected to rise about 40% in the next 15 years, according to a Canadian Cancer Society report.
The report, Canadian Cancer Statistics 2015, estimates that 277,000 people a year will be diagnosed with cancer by 2030—a 40% rise in cases—led by upsurges in prostate and colorectal cancer cases.
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Canada’s rapidly aging population—one in four Canadians will be 65 or older by 2030—could 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.
While the sheer number of cases will rise because of the aging and growing population, the 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.
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The surge in cancer cases is expected to have an impact on many aspects of Canadian society, including 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.
“Canada urgently needs a plan to ensure that our healthcare systems are sustainable and that all people facing a cancer diagnosis receive high quality, timely care,” says Dr. Robert Nuttall, assistant director, cancer control policy with the Canadian Cancer Society.
“Everyone involved in the healthcare system, including cancer researchers, academics, governments, and non-government service providers, must work together to ensure we have the resources in place to respond to the looming increase in cancer cases.”
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