World Health Organization has warned that the number of new cancer cases worldwide could rise to almost 35 million every year by 2050 unless countries urgently strengthen prevention, early diagnosis and access to treatment, in a major new report highlighting the growing global burden of the disease

The warning comes from the Global Status Report on Cancer 2026, produced by the World Health Organization (WHO) and its specialised cancer research agency, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

According to the report, cancer is the second most common cause of death worldwide after cardiovascular disease, accounting for almost 26,000 deaths per day and an estimated 20.6 million new cases and approximately 10 million deaths annually.

While improvements in cancer prevention, vaccine campaigns, and tobacco control have helped lower risks in some regions of the world, millions of people still experience severe disparities in access to life-saving care, according to WHO.

WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus explained that, “cancer is a deeply personal disease that touches nearly all of us. But whether a person survives cancer should never depend on where they were born or what they earn.”

He added that “the inequities documented in this report are not inevitable; they are the consequence of choices, and they can be reversed through stronger and unified action.”

The report reveals significant disparities in cancer survival rates between developed and developing countries. One of the most obvious examples is breast cancer, where access to healthcare has a significant impact on survival rates.

Approximately 87% of women diagnosed with breast cancer survive for at least five years in high-income nations. However, the survival rate drops to about 42% in low-income nations, mostly as a result of delayed diagnosis, few treatment options, and a lack of necessary medical resources.

According to WHO, less than one-third of nations currently incorporate comprehensive cancer care into their universal health coverage programs, depriving many patients of essential services including screening, diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care.

Beyond clinical outcomes, cancer has a significant negative impact on millions of families’ social, emotional, and economical well-being.

In WHO’s first worldwide study of cancer patients, over half report mental health issues related to their diagnosis and treatment, and at least 45% face financial hardship. Almost all carers face major constraints, such as unpaid care obligations and social isolation, per the poll.

The adverse effects of cancer differ significantly by geographical location. Asia accounted for more over half of all cancer diagnoses and deaths worldwide in 2024 due to its vast population.

Despite making up only about 9% of the world’s population, Europe has a disproportionately high burden of cancer, accounting for **21% of cases and 20% of deaths.

Due to restricted access to early detection and efficient treatment, a number of African and Asian nations continue to have lower overall cancer incidence rates but far higher death rates.

WHO stated that the global cancer picture is changing, with lifestyle-related risks increasingly contributing to rising cases.

Tobacco use, alcohol consumption, obesity, physical inactivity, poor diets, and infections like human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B and C are all associated with nearly four out of every ten cancer incidences.

The organization cautioned that preventative methods must adapt when new dangers emerge.

Dr Elisabete Weiderpass, Director of IARC further revealed that, “while we are seeing reductions in some cancer rates in countries that have implemented prevention policies, progress has been too slow.”

“The cancer profile is evolving, increasingly driven by rising rates of obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy diets and air pollution.”
Dr Elisabete Weiderpass

She added, “cancer prevention must remain a political priority.”

Prevention Improves, But Millions Still Face Treatment Barriers

Despite the alarming projections, the WHO report also points to important progress made over the past decade.

Countries have reinforced immunisation programs, increased tobacco control efforts, and created more integrated national cancer plans. According to the report, 82% of nations currently have national cancer management programs, up from 50% in 2010.

Scientific research has also accelerated, resulting in a better understanding of cancer causes, novel medicines, and more effective methods of diagnostics. However, WHO cautioned that scientific advancements have not been matched by equal access to treatment.

A major gap remains in the availability of essential cancer medicines, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The report found that access to the 20 priority cancer medicines ranges from only 9 to 54% in low and lower-middle-income countries, compared with 68 to 94% in high-income countries.

According to the WHO, these disparities mean that a large number of patients still pass away from cancers that could be successfully treated if they were found early and given the right medical attention.

Among the different types of cancer, lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally.

Lung, prostate, and colorectal cancers are the most prevalent types in men, whereas breast, lung, and colorectal cancers make up a sizable share of cancer cases in women.

An projected 2.4 million women had a breast cancer diagnosis in 2024 alone, and 694,000 of them lost their lives to the disease. The World Health Organization stated that although the risk rises with age, breast cancer can strike women at any age after puberty and occurs in every nation.

The health agency emphasised that cancer control must cover prevention, social support, and patient and family experiences in addition to hospitals and medications.