Chile faces cancer research challenges amid aging population

Chile is facing a significant demographic shift as its population ages. According to census data, individuals aged 65 and older increased from 6.6% of the population in 1992 to 14% in 2024. Additionally, the fertility rate reached 0.99 children per woman in 2025, and projections suggest that by 2028, older adults will outnumber children under 15.

This aging trend is a known risk factor for cancer. Preliminary figures from the Ministry of Health indicate that in 2025, more than half of all cancer deaths in Chile occurred in people between the ages of 50 and 89.

Dr. Christian Caglevic, Scientific Director of the FALP Cancer Research and Innovation Center, emphasizes the need for local clinical research. He argues that relying solely on international knowledge is insufficient, as local epidemiological, genetic, and cultural factors can influence cancer behavior and treatment responses. To address this, the FALP center has developed a platform to integrate clinical data and generate indicators regarding cancer magnitude, diagnostic opportunities, and survival rates within the Chilean population.