Rise in Cancer Diagnoses Highlights the Need for Better Solutions

The number of cancer diagnoses has risen dramatically over the past three decades, most notably among younger people.[1]  This trend has alarmed researchers and highlights the need for more innovative cancer diagnoses and treatments.

New Cases Rising

New cancer diagnoses in the United States are expected to top 2 million in 2024, driven in large part by an alarming increase in cancers among younger Americans. While cancer survival rates have improved, more people are being diagnosed with cancer.

One study showed that the risk of developing some cancers has increased for each generation born since the 1950s. Another said that people born in the 1990s are at double risk for early onset colon cancer and four times for rectal cancer than those born in the 1950s.

Particularly in Younger People

According to one study, the cancer diagnosis rate of people under 50 in the US rose to 107.8 cases per 100,000 in 2019, up 12.8% from the 95.6 per 100,000 rate in 2000. While the proportion of people with new cancer diagnoses in older age brackets has declined, it has increased at a 1%-2% annual rate since the 1950s in people younger than 55.

Younger people are the only age group to experience an increase in overall cancer incidence, according to many studies.

Colorectal cancer is one of the cancers showing an alarming rise among younger people. One in five new colorectal patients in 2019 was under 55, doubling since 1955. Additionally, colorectal cancer is often diagnosed at a later stage and with more aggressive tumors in younger people than older.

And Certain Types of Cancers

Additionally, new cases of prostate, liver, kidney, HPV-associated cancer, and melanoma rose 2% and 3% annually between 2015 and 2019 while breast, pancreas, and uterine cancers increased 0.6% and1% over the same time period. Gastrointestinal cancers have also increased.

No Smoking Gun

Medical researchers are searching for clues as to why the incidence of certain types of cancers are increasing, but cannot find one specific cause.

Lifestyle changes may be responsible, at least in part, for the rise. Researchers point to a more sedentary lifestyle, increases in obesity, the consumption of more ultra-processed foods, and even toxins like microplastics.

Earlier Screenings Recommended

As a result of the rise in cancer diagnoses, earlier screenings for certain types of cancers are being recommended. For example, medical groups have lowered the recommended age for breast cancer screening to 40 and colorectal to 45.

Better Solutions Needed

As cancer diagnoses and prevalence increase, demand for innovative and effective diagnoses and treatments will likely grow.

How May Individuals Gain Exposure to Companies in the Cancer Therapeutics Industry?

The Range Cancer Therapeutics ETF

The Range Cancer Therapeutics ETF (CNCR) seeks to track the performance, before fees and expenses, of the Range Cancer Therapeutics Index. The index aims to track the performance of a portfolio of stocks that are involved in the development and distribution of cancer drugs and treatments.

[1]  All data sourced from: New Cancer Diagnoses Expected to Hit Record High This Year, Axios, 1/17/24 & Abbott, Brianna, Cancer Is Striking More Young People, and Doctors Are Alarmed and Baffled, Wall Street Journal, 1/11/24

Disclosures

All investing involves risk, and asset allocation and diversification do not guarantee a profit or protection against a loss. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, might be worth more or less than their original cost. ETFs are subject to risks similar to those of stocks, as well as other risks specific to the particular ETF.

ETF shares are traded on exchanges and are traded and priced throughout the trading day. ETFs permit an investor to purchase a selling interest in a portfolio of stocks throughout the trading day. Because ETFs trade on an exchange, ETF shares are bought and sold at market price (not NAV). The prices of ETFs may sometimes vary significantly from the NAVs of an ETFs’ underlying securities. Brokerage commissions will reduce returns.

The Fund is a recently organized investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors have no track record or history on which to base their investment decision. Moreover, investors will not be able to evaluate the Fund against one or more comparable funds on the basis of relative performance until the Funds has established a track record.

The Range Cancer Therapeutics ETF is offered by prospectus. Carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. This and other important information can be found in the CNCR ETF prospectus, which should be read carefully before investing and can be obtained here or by calling 1-800-617-0004.

Exchange Traded Concepts, LLC serves as the investment advisor to the Fund. The Fund is distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC. Quasar is not affiliated with Exchange Traded Concepts, LLC.

Cancer Therapeutics Companies Risk. The success of Cancer Therapeutics Companies heavily depends on the outcomes of clinical trials and obtaining necessary regulatory approvals for the development of new drugs and other treatments for cancer-related conditions. These companies face risks related to the failure of clinical trials, unforeseen safety issues, delays in the regulatory approval process, or failure to obtain approvals altogether. Cancer Therapeutics Companies are highly dependent on the development, procurement and marketing of drugs and the protection and exploitation of intellectual property rights. Changes in healthcare policies, reimbursement rates, patent laws, or regulations governing drug development and commercialization can significantly impact industry and individual companies. These changes may affect profitability, market access, and the viability of certain products or technologies.