Geneva: Annual cancer cases worldwide are projected to rise by almost 70%, from an estimated 20.6 million today to nearly 35 million by 2050, while the disease already kills close to 10 million people every year, or more than 26,000 each day, says a new report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
The report warns that widening inequalities in access to prevention, early diagnosis and treatment are leaving millions of people, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, without life-saving care despite significant advances in cancer control.
The WHO Global Status Report on Cancer 2026 says cancer remains the second leading cause of death worldwide after cardiovascular disease and urges governments to strengthen prevention, expand access to timely diagnosis and treatment, and integrate cancer care into universal health coverage to curb the growing global burden.
According to the report, the sharp rise in cancer cases over the coming decades will be driven by population growth, ageing and increasing exposure to preventable risk factors. WHO warns that without sustained investment in cancer prevention and treatment, many health systems, particularly in resource-limited countries, will struggle to cope with the growing demand for care.
The report shows that Asia accounted for 50.7% of global cancer cases and 56.5% of cancer deaths in 2024, reflecting its large population. Europe, despite having only about 9% of the world’s population, accounted for 21% of new cancer cases and 20% of cancer deaths.
In contrast, many countries in Africa and parts of Asia continue to experience comparatively lower cancer incidence but disproportionately higher mortality because of limited access to early diagnosis, treatment and supportive care.
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death globally. Among men, lung, prostate and colorectal cancers are the most commonly diagnosed, while breast, lung and colorectal cancers account for the largest share of cancers among women.
The report estimates that nearly four in ten cancer cases are linked to preventable risk factors, including tobacco use, alcohol consumption, obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, air pollution and infections such as human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B and C, and Helicobacter pylori.
WHO says many of these cancers could be prevented through stronger public health measures and wider vaccination coverage.
Despite advances in cancer care, major disparities persist. The report notes that 87% of women diagnosed with breast cancer survive for at least five years in high-income countries, compared with only about 42% in low-income countries.
It also finds that fewer than one in three countries include comprehensive cancer care in their universal health coverage packages, leaving millions without access to essential services.
Cancer also continues to impose a substantial financial and social burden on patients and their families. WHO’s first global survey of people affected by cancer found that at least 45% experienced financial hardship, more than half reported mental health challenges, and nearly all caregivers described significant physical, emotional and social strain.
The report highlights progress in several areas over the past decade. Global tobacco use has declined by 27% since 2010, contributing to lower lung cancer rates in some countries. Infection-related cancers are also decreasing where vaccination programmes against HPV and hepatitis B have expanded and infection prevention measures have improved.
Political commitment has strengthened, with 82% of countries now having national cancer control plans, up from 50% in 2010. However, access to essential cancer medicines remains highly unequal. Availability of the 20 priority cancer medicines ranges from 9% to 54% in low- and lower-middle-income countries, compared with 68% to 94% in high-income countries.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the report demonstrates that survival from cancer should not depend on where people are born or how much they earn, calling for stronger action to close gaps in prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
Dr Elisabete Weiderpass, Director of IARC, said the global cancer landscape is increasingly being shaped by obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy diets and air pollution, stressing that cancer prevention must remain a political priority.
The report calls on governments to strengthen cancer prevention, integrate cancer services into universal health coverage, improve access to diagnosis, treatment and palliative care, invest in the health workforce, expand social protection for patients and caregivers, and ensure that research and innovation address public health needs while making advances in cancer care accessible to all.