WHO warns cancer cases may reach 35 million a year by 2050

Cancer cases around the world could rise dramatically over the next 25 years unless governments take urgent steps to improve prevention, early diagnosis and treatment, according to the World Health Organisation's (WHO) Global Status Report on Cancer 2026. The report projects that annual new cancer cases could increase from 20.6 million today to nearly 35 million by 2050, while millions of people will continue to face unequal access to lifesaving care.Cancer is already the second leading cause of death globally, after heart disease. Every year, nearly 10 million people die from cancer, which means more than 26,000 lives are lost every day. WHO says the disease affects not only patients but also their families, bringing emotional stress, financial hardship and social challenges.The report highlights major inequalities between rich and poor countries. While 87% of women diagnosed with breast cancer survive for at least five years in high-income countries, survival drops to around 42% in low-income countries. WHO also notes that fewer than one in three countries currently include comprehensive cancer care under universal health coverage.According to WHO, Asia accounts for the largest share of the global cancer burden, with more than half of all cancer cases and deaths. Europe, despite having only about 9% of the world's population, contributes about one-fifth of global cancer cases and deaths.Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Among men, lung, prostate and colorectal cancers are the most common, while breast, lung and colorectal cancers account for a large share of cases in women.The report says nearly 40% of all cancer cases are linked to preventable risk factors. These include tobacco use, alcohol consumption, obesity, lack of physical activity, unhealthy diets and infections such as human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B and C, and Helicobacter pylori. WHO believes many of these cancers could be prevented through stronger public health measures, vaccination programmes and healthier lifestyles.Despite the challenges, the report also points to encouraging progress. Tobacco use has fallen by 27% since 2010, more countries have introduced national cancer control plans, and scientific research into new cancer treatments continues to grow. However, access to essential cancer medicines remains limited in many low and middle-income countries.The WHO is urging governments to make cancer care more people-centred by improving access to screening, diagnosis, treatment and supportive care while strengthening financial protection for patients and families. It also calls for greater investment in prevention and research to reduce the future burden of the disease.The organisation says the decisions made today will determine whether millions of future cancer cases can be prevented and whether people everywhere have an equal chance of surviving the disease.- EndsPublished By: Smarica PantPublished On: Jul 17, 2026 10:57 IST