Millions Affected by Cancer: A Call for Urgent Action to Reduce Deaths and Improve Outcomes

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning as new cancer cases are projected to nearly double by 2050, with the global burden of the disease worsening due to persistent inequities, preventable risk factors, and inadequate access to care, according to the WHO Global Status Report on Cancer 2026. The report, co-authored with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), reveals that cancer claims over 26 000 lives daily, with 20.6 million new cases and nearly 10 million deaths annually, making it the second-leading cause of death worldwide after cardiovascular disease. Without urgent action, annual cases could reach 35 million by 2050, driven by aging populations, lifestyle changes, and uneven progress in prevention and treatment.

“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,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The report underscores that while 87% of women with breast cancer survive five years in high-income countries, only 42% do so in low-income nations. Fewer than one in three countries include cancer care in universal health coverage packages, exacerbating disparities in access to diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care.

Cancer rates in different regions

The global cancer burden varies widely by region. In 2024, Asia accounted for 50.7% of new cases and 56.5% of deaths, reflecting its large population. Europe, despite comprising 9% of the global population, contributed 21% of cases and 20% of deaths. Africa and parts of Asia face disproportionately high mortality rates despite lower incidence, often due to limited early detection and treatment infrastructure. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths globally, while breast, lung, and colorectal cancers account for significant shares of the disease burden among women and men.

Preventable risk factors—such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, obesity, and infections like human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B and C, and helicobacter pylori—account for nearly four in ten of global cancer cases. “While we are seeing reductions in some cancer rates in countries that have implemented prevention policies, progress has been too slow,” said Dr. Elisabete Weiderpass, Director of IARC. Rising rates of obesity, physical inactivity, and air pollution are reshaping the cancer landscape, emphasizing the need for sustained prevention efforts.

Major gains, yet gaps persist

The report highlights progress in some areas, including a 27% decline in tobacco use since 2010 and expanded vaccination coverage for infection-related cancers. Eighty-two percent of countries now have national cancer control plans, up from 50% in 2010. In high-income nations, early detection programs catch most breast cancers, and 74% of women have been screened for cervical cancer. Scientific innovation has also accelerated, with registered clinical trials increasing by 7.3% annually between 2005 and 2021.

However, critical gaps remain. Essential cancer medicines are available in just 9–54% of low- and lower-middle-income countries, compared to 68–94% in high-income nations. These disparities translate to profound financial and emotional tolls on patients and families. A WHO survey found that 45% of people affected by cancer experience financial hardship, over half report mental health challenges, and nearly all caregivers face strain from unpaid care and social isolation.

Moving towards a people-centered cancer control agenda

The WHO report calls for a shift toward a people-centered approach to cancer control, emphasizing equity, accessibility, and holistic care. It outlines seven key recommendations, including integrating cancer care into universal health coverage, centering the lived experiences of patients and caregivers, and aligning research with public health needs. “Cancer is not just a medical diagnosis—it profoundly, indefinitely affects every aspect of a person’s life, and their family’s as well,” said Clarissa Schilstra, a childhood cancer survivor and WHO survey lead.

“By voicing our lived experiences, we can inform more equitable, effective solutions to protect and promote the lives and wellbeing of future generations,” she added. The report urges governments, international organizations, and civil society to collaborate on strategies that address systemic barriers, expand access to prevention and treatment, and prioritize the voices of those most affected.

“The choices made and actions taken today will shape the cancer burden borne by future generations,” the report states. By adopting a people-centered approach, making strategic investments, and upholding equity, countries can reduce the global cancer burden and improve outcomes for all, regardless of geography or income.