As National Women’s Health Week nears, a new global study reveals a growing threat to women’s health: the steady rise in female cancers.
These include breast, cervical, uterine, and ovarian cancers—together known as FBCUO cancers. Researchers say that without stronger action, cases of breast and ovarian cancer will keep rising through 2050.
The study, published in BMC Cancer, analyzed data from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease Study, covering over 200 countries from 1990 to 2021. It looked at how many women were affected by these cancers, how many died, how quality of life was reduced, and what risk factors played a role.
The results show that cancer continues to take a major toll on women around the world—especially in low- and middle-income countries.
In 2022 alone, breast, cervical, uterine, and ovarian cancers made up over 16% of all cancer cases worldwide. They caused more than 1.2 million deaths.
These numbers are not just statistics—they represent mothers, daughters, and sisters lost, often leaving behind families in crisis. In some countries, these maternal deaths are a leading cause of orphanhood.
Which cancers are rising fastest?
Among these cancers, breast cancer has the largest impact, with over 2 million new cases and 600,000 deaths in 2021. Cervical cancer came next, followed by uterine and ovarian cancers. Women between the ages of 50 and 69 were most affected, though older age groups saw the highest death rates.
The countries with the highest breast cancer rates included Monaco, while cervical cancer was most common in Kiribati. Uterine and ovarian cancers were highest in the United Arab Emirates.
What’s driving the increase?
Experts say several things are fueling this rise:
- Genetic risks (like BRCA gene mutations)
- Hormonal factors
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Smoking
- Unprotected sex (a key factor in cervical cancer)
- Alcohol and red meat consumption
The study found that in wealthier countries, death rates related to alcohol and red meat declined. But in poorer countries, these rates stayed the same or went up. Smoking remains a top cause of breast cancer worldwide, though it has become slightly less deadly in many regions.
For uterine cancer, the number of years of healthy life lost more than doubled between 1990 and 2021, largely tied to high body weight. Ovarian cancer also showed a similar increase, with asbestos and obesity as major contributors.
What happens next?
Researchers used statistical modeling to predict future trends. Their projections show that breast and ovarian cancer rates will likely continue rising through 2050, while cervical and uterine cancer rates may fall—likely due to better screenings, vaccines, and awareness efforts in some countries.
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