Else Beekman
This year, a total of 296,103 cancer cases are expected in Spain, according to projections from the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM) and the the Spanish Network of Cancer Registries (REDECAN). That means an increase of 3.3% cancer cases compared to 2024.
Tumours of the colon, rectum, urinary bladder, breast, and lung are expected to have the highest incidence rates. Although these statistics have raised concerns across various health sectors, there are positive aspects of the data that can be beneficial both in the present and for future years. One of the key reasons for the increase in cases is the significant improvement in detection methods. Dr. Rodrigo Sánchez Bayonne, Scientific Secretary of SEOM, explains this trend reflects the fact that more cancers are being diagnosed at early, more treatable stages.
The effect of an increasing population
The rise in cancer cases is partly due to Spain’s consistently growing population. A larger population naturally results in a higher number of cancer cases. A larger population also means more senior citizens who are more prone to cancer and therefore add a significant amount to the total number of cases.
Over the past 34 years, the country’s population has increased by 10.1 million people. This has contributed to a substantial rise in the total number of cancer cases. However, the more concerning issue is the simultaneous worsening of risk factors. This suggests that even without population growth, the overall cancer burden would still be significant. These factors must be addressed to mitigate further increases in cancer cases.
The impact of early detection
Early detection plays a crucial role in improving cancer prognosis. By identifying cancer at an early stage, it becomes possible to use less aggressive and more effective treatments, leading to higher survival rates. As a result, although cancer cases are on the rise, many of these cases are diagnosed at early stages, where recovery is much more likely.
The role of artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) has begun to play an important role in cancer detection in Spain. Technologies like AI-assisted mammograms and blood tests are capable of identifying several types of cancer earlier than traditional screening methods. While AI offers significant promise as an innovative tool in cancer research, it is still largely in the experimental phase. Ongoing research and additional tests will be necessary to fully assess its effectiveness and accuracy.
Growing impact of lung cancer among women
Despite a decrease in mortality rates for most types of cancer, certain cancers continue to present significant challenges. While prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in women remain the most commonly diagnosed types, the report draws attention to the growing impact of lung cancer among women. Oncologist María José Méndez from the Reina Sofía University Hospital in Córdoba warns that lung cancer is approaching similar mortality rates as breast cancer with over 37,000 cases each year, even though it has fewer diagnoses.
Méndez attributes the increase in lung cancer cases among women to risk factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity. She notes that tobacco use among women has surged in recent years. Additionally, she stresses the importance of early detection. Moreover, many cancers can be prevented or successfully treated if identified in time.
The primary cause of lung cancer is tobacco consumption, which is responsible for approximately 90% of all cases. Despite public health efforts, 20% of the Spanish population continues to smoke daily. Reducing preventable risk factors—chiefly tobacco use—remains a major challenge for Spain.
Other contributing factors include rising obesity rates (16.7% of Spaniards were obese in 2020) and exposure to environmental pollutants.