Industry Odisha Bureau, July 10: The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that global cancer cases could nearly double to 35 million annually by 2050. It has urged countries to take action to strengthen prevention, early diagnosis and ensure equitable access to treatment.
According to the WHO Global Status Report on Cancer 2026, cancer remains the world’s second leading cause of death after cardiovascular disease, with 20.6 million cases and nearly 10 million deaths each year.
The report highlights stark inequalities in cancer care across countries. While 87 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer survive for at least five years in high income countries. Meanwhile, the survival rate drops to around 42 percent in low income countries. It also notes that fewer than one third of countries currently include cancer care within their universal health coverage programmes.
Beyond its health impact, cancer places a significant financial and emotional burden on patients and families. WHO’s first global survey of people affected by cancer found that 45 percent experience financial hardship. This alongside more than half face mental health challenges, and caregivers frequently report unpaid care responsibilities and social isolation.
Regional burden and prevention gaps
Regionally, Asia accounted for over half of global cancer cases (50.7 percent) and death (56.5 percent) in 2024. Meanwhile, Europe bore a disproportionately high burden relative to its population. Notably, lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.
The report estimates that nearly four of ten cancer cases are preventable. Reasons cited include tobacco use, alcohol consumption, obesity, physical inactivity and infections such as HPV and Hepatitis B and C among the major risk factors.
Although countries have made progress through stronger tobacco control, vaccination programmes and national cancer control plans. WHO also said access to essential medicines, screening and treatment remains uneven, particularly in low and middle income countries.
The report further calls for governments to adopt a people-centred approach to cancer control by integrating cancer services into universal health coverage and strengthening social protection for patients and caregivers. It also urges countries to ensure equitable access to research, innovation and treatment.
(With inputs from official website of WHO)
