Cancer diagnoses and deaths in Europe are projected to rise sharply by 2045, with nearly all cancer types expected to increase, according to new data from the Netherlands’ Integraal Kankercentrum (IKNL) published on Wednesday. The annual number of new diagnoses is forecast to jump from 136,000 to nearly 170,000, while deaths could climb from 46,000 to 57,000 per year .
Skin cancer is projected to see the steepest rise, with melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma cases increasing by nearly 60% over the next 20 years. By 2045, skin cancer is expected to surpass prostate and breast cancer as the most common diagnosis for men and women, respectively. Researchers attribute this to past sunburn exposure, particularly in youth, as well as heightened awareness leading to earlier detection .
Aging populations and demographic growth are the primary drivers of the overall increase, but lifestyle factors are also suspected in rising rates among younger people. A separate international study found prostate cancer diagnoses among under-50s in England have quadrupled since 2001, with obesity, poor diets, and lack of exercise cited as potential contributors by Cancer Research UK’s Jon Shelton .
