A new World Health Organization report projects annual cancer cases to reach nearly 35 million by 2050. The report highlights persistent and widening inequities in access to cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment globally.
Key facts
- •Annual cancer cases are projected to rise to nearly 35 million by 2050.
- •Currently, there are an estimated 20.6 million new cancer cases and close to 10 million deaths annually.
- •Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, after cardiovascular disease.
- •87% of women with breast cancer survive 5 years in high-income countries, compared to 42% in low-income countries.
- •Fewer than one in three countries include cancer care in their universal health coverage packages.
- •Nearly four in ten cancer cases globally are linked to preventable risk factors.
A report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) warns that annual cancer cases are projected to rise to nearly 35 million by 2050 if urgent action is not taken. The disease currently claims over 26,000 lives daily, with an estimated 20.6 million new cases and close to 10 million deaths annually, making it the second leading cause of death globally. The WHO is calling for a fundamental shift towards a people-centred approach to reverse this trend.
By the numbers
Global Burden and Projected Increase
The WHO Global Status Report on Cancer 2026, developed with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), provides a comprehensive analysis of cancer's impact. The report indicates that millions face the physical, emotional, and financial toll of cancer. Without intervention, the number of new annual cancer cases is expected to nearly double by 2050.
Persistent Inequities in Care
The report reveals significant and growing disparities in access to cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care. For instance, 87% of women with breast cancer survive five years after diagnosis in high-income countries, compared to only about 42% in low-income countries. Fewer than one in three countries currently include cancer care in their universal health coverage packages. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that these inequities are not inevitable and can be reversed through stronger, unified action.
Impact on Individuals and Households
Beyond its health impact, cancer poses one of the most financially and socially devastating challenges for households. WHO's first survey of people affected by cancer found that at least 45% experience financial hardship, over half report mental health challenges, and nearly all caregivers report strain, including unpaid services and social isolation. The report emphasizes that cancer profoundly affects every aspect of a person’s life and their family’s.
Preventable Factors and Progress
Nearly four in ten cancer cases globally are linked to preventable risk factors, such as infections (HPV, hepatitis B and C, helicobacter pylori), alcohol, tobacco use, high body mass index, and insufficient physical activity. While progress has been slow, the report notes substantial gains in some policy areas, including a 27% decline in tobacco use since 2010 and increased national cancer control plans in 82% of countries, up from 50% in 2010. However, essential cancer medicines remain largely out of reach in low- and lower-middle-income countries.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by WHO News.
