The Fastest-Growing Cancers Worldwide: Why They’re Rising and How to Prevent Them

Cancer remains one of the most formidable global health challenges of our time — and not simply because of its existing burden, but because of how the trends are shifting. As we move through 2025, several cancer types are growing faster than others, demanding urgent attention in prevention, screening and lifestyle strategies. At Alriaz Health Services, we believe that understanding which cancers are rising, why they’re rising, and what can be done is vital for patients, caregivers and communities alike.

2025 Snapshot: The Rising Stars (and Alarms) in Cancer Incidence

According to the latest global cancer data and estimates for 2025:

• The Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide. World Cancer Research Fund+2Cancer Research UK+2
• The Pancreatic cancer is showing a significant rise in incidence in many regions; one systematic review showed global cases nearly doubled from ~207,000 in 1990 to ~508,000 in 2021. BioMed Central
• The Thyroid cancer is among the top new cancer sites globally — in 2022 thyroid cancer had about 821,000 new cases worldwide. World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition+1
• Colorectal cancer (colon + rectum) ranks among the top three most common cancers globally and its incidence in younger adults is rising especially in many countries. World Cancer Research Fund+1
• Liver cancer continues to be a major cause of cancer‐related mortality and is increasing in some regions, particularly where hepatitis and environmental exposures persist. Cancer Progress Report+1

Put simply: while all cancers are a concern, these five (breast, pancreatic, thyroid, colorectal, liver) stand out for their faster upward trends and/or major impact.

Root Causes: Why Are These Cancers on the Rise?

Several overlapping forces are driving the growth in these cancers — not one, but many.

Diet, Obesity and Sedentary Lifestyles

Rapid changes in diet (higher processed foods, refined sugars, red/processed meats), rising rates of overweight/obesity and sedentary behaviour are all well‐documented cancer risk factors. The global cancer burden report notes that changes in risk-factor exposure (diet, overweight/obesity) are major contributors. World Cancer Research Fund+1

Environmental Pollutants & Air Quality

Exposure to environmental carcinogens and air pollution is increasingly recognised as a key driver of cancer incidence — particularly for liver, lung, and other organs. The World Health Organization (WHO) has flagged air pollution among key environmental risk factors. World Health Organization

Infections, Chronic Disease and Genetic Predisposition

Some cancers (e.g., liver) remain closely linked to chronic viral infections (e.g., hepatitis B & C), alcohol use, metabolic disease and genetic predisposition. Pancreatic cancer incidence trends also point to risk factors such as high fasting plasma glucose and obesity. BioMed Central+1

Aging & Population Growth

Simply put: more people, living longer, lead to more cancer cases. The shift in global demographics—aging, larger population sizes—is amplifying raw cancer numbers. World Health Organization+1

Screening, Detection & Lifestyle Transitions

Better detection may partly explain rising thyroid and breast cancer incidence in some countries, but lifestyle and environmental changes suggest real increases as well. Moreover, transitions from traditional to westernised lifestyles in many low‐ and middle‐income countries are accelerating risk‐factor exposure.

Regional & Gender-Specific Variations

The incidence of these cancers does not rise uniformly; variations exist by region, gender, socio-economic status.

• For instance, in India (state of Kerala) a recent study found for women that breast cancer accounted for 34 % of all new female cancers, thyroid 11 %. For men, liver cancer incidence was rising (8 % of male cases) after lung and colorectal. The Times of India
• Colorectal cancer is increasingly affecting younger adults (under 50) in developed countries. New York Post
• Higher‐income countries often have better detection (thus higher incidence) but also better survival; whereas in lower‐income regions, the increase may be more pronounced due to rising exposures and weaker preventive systems. Cancer Progress Report+1

Prevention Strategies & Global Initiatives

The good news: a substantial fraction of cancer cases are preventable through evidence‐based interventions. According to the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), about 40 % of cancers could be prevented by lifestyle and environment changes. World Cancer Research Fund

Here’s how individuals, communities and organisations can act:

1. Healthy Lifestyle Choices

• Maintain a healthy weight, engage in regular physical activity, minimise sedentary time.
• Prioritise a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, lean proteins; limit processed meats and excessive red meat.
• Limit alcohol consumption and avoid tobacco exposure (still one of the strongest preventable cancer causes).
• Protect from pollution and occupational exposures where possible.

2. Screening & Early Detection

• Participate in recommended screenings: e.g., breast (mammography/self-exams), colorectal (colonoscopies/FOBT), liver (for high‐risk due to hepatitis).
• For thyroid cancers especially in high‐incidence regions, stay informed of symptoms and risk factors.
• Use analytics and risk‐stratification: individuals with family history or genetic predisposition should have tailored prevention/screening plans.

3. Vaccination & Infection Control

• For liver cancer: vaccination against hepatitis B, screening/treatment for hepatitis C.
• For broader immunisation programs (HPV for cervical, as a model for other infection‐related cancers).

4. Global & Public Health Initiatives

• Governments and health-systems need to invest in cancer awareness, preventive infrastructure and screening programmes — especially in lower‐income regions.
• Policies tackling pollution, occupational carcinogens, diet and lifestyles at population level will have a broad impact.
• Research into genetic predisposition in underrepresented populations will help tailor prevention to regional risk.

Why This Matters to You & Alriaz Health Services

For patients and caregivers, these rising cancer trends highlight the importance of not waiting — adopting prevention early and staying informed. At Alriaz Health Services, we are committed to both education and action: helping individuals understand their risk, offering screening programmes tailored to their region and profile, and promoting lifestyle and environmental changes that reduce cancer risk.

Conclusion

The fastest-growing cancers worldwide (breast, pancreatic, thyroid, colorectal, liver) reflect a mix of evolving lifestyles, ageing populations, environmental changes and genetic factors. While the numbers are concerning, the promise of prevention is strong: through healthy choices, screening and global initiatives, we can change the trajectory.

Our mission at Alriaz Health Services is to stand with you — not just as care providers but as partners in prevention. Because while cancer may be rising, the power to act lies with each one of us, and together we can make a difference.