Global cancer cases could reach 35 million by 2050; Asia sees rising cases
Cancer continues to be one of the world’s biggest health challenges, with around 20.6 million new cases and nearly 10 million deaths each year. It remains the second leading cause of death worldwide, behind cardiovascular disease.
According to the WHO Global Status Report on Cancer 2026 , produced with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the number of new cancer cases could climb to almost 35 million annually by 2050 unless countries strengthen prevention, detection, and treatment efforts.
Unequal access costs lives
The report points to wide disparities in cancer care across the globe. Many people still struggle to obtain preventive services, timely diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.
Based on the report, women diagnosed with breast cancer in high-income countries have an 87% chance of surviving at least five years after diagnosis. In low-income countries, that figure drops to about 42%. The report also found that fewer than one-third of countries include cancer care in their universal health coverage programs.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said cancer affects nearly every family in one way or another, but a person’s chance of surviving the disease should not depend on where they live or how much they earn. He added that today’s disparities stem from policy decisions and can be reduced through stronger international cooperation.
Financial and emotional burden
Cancer also places a major financial and emotional burden on families. WHO’s first global survey involving people affected by cancer found that at least 45% experience financial hardship. More than half reported mental health challenges, while nearly all caregivers described facing heavy responsibilities, unpaid caregiving duties, and social isolation.
Asia’s cancer challenge
Cancer patterns vary across regions, but Asia carries the largest share of the global burden. In 2024 , the region accounted for 50.7% of all new cancer cases and 56.5% of cancer deaths, largely because of its population size. Europe also recorded a heavy burden, contributing 21% of global cancer cases and 20% of deaths despite having only about 9% of the world’s population. Meanwhile, many countries in Africa and parts of Asia reported fewer cancer cases but experienced comparatively higher death rates.
Worldwide, cancer remained one of the leading causes of death in 2024, claiming nearly 10 million lives. Lung cancer was the most frequently diagnosed cancer, with 2.6 million new cases, followed by breast cancer (2.4 million), colorectal cancer (2.0 million), prostate cancer (1.5 million), non-melanoma skin cancer (1.1 million), and stomach cancer (1.0 million). Lung cancer also caused the highest number of deaths at 1.86 million, followed by colorectal cancer (918,000), liver cancer (732,000), breast cancer (694,000), and stomach cancer (642,000).
Within Asia, Southeast Asia faces its own cancer challenges. Cervical cancer remains one of the most common cancers among women in several countries across the region, making prevention and early detection a continuing public health priority. Cancer also affects younger populations, with an estimated 400,000 children and adolescents aged 0 to 19 diagnosed with the disease worldwide each year.
Lifestyle and infections remain major risk factors
Lung cancer continues to be the deadliest form of cancer worldwide.
Among men, lung, prostate, and colorectal cancers remain the most frequently diagnosed. For women, breast, lung, and colorectal cancers account for a large share of cases.
The report estimated that nearly 40% of cancer cases worldwide are linked to preventable risk factors. These include tobacco use, alcohol consumption, excess body weight, lack of physical activity, and infections caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B and C, and Helicobacter pylori.
Dr. Elisabete Weiderpass, Director of IARC, said countries that adopted prevention policies have seen declines in certain cancers. However, she said progress has been slower than expected, while obesity, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and air pollution are becoming increasingly common drivers of cancer, making prevention an ongoing public health priority.
Progress seen in prevention and research
The report also highlighted encouraging developments. Global tobacco use has fallen by 27% since 2010, contributing to lower lung cancer rates in several regions. Vaccination campaigns, better water and sanitation, and stronger infection control have also reduced cancers linked to infectious diseases.
Political commitment has grown as well. According to the report, 82% of countries now have national cancer control plans, compared with just 50% in 2010.
Screening programs have also expanded in wealthier nations, where most breast cancers are detected early and 74% of women have undergone cervical cancer screening.
Cancer research is advancing too, with registered clinical trials increasing by an average of 7.3% each year between 2005 and 2021.
Shortfall in medicine access to medicines
Many patients are found to be facing limited access to treatment. The report found that availability of the 20 priority cancer medicines ranges from only 9% to 54% in low- and lower-middle-income countries. In contrast, availability reaches between 68% and 94% in high-income countries.
Clarissa Schilstra, a childhood cancer survivor who led WHO’s survey of people affected by cancer, said the disease affects every part of a person’s life long after diagnosis. She urged policymakers to include people with firsthand experience in developing cancer policies, saying their experiences can guide fairer and more effective solutions.
Need for people-centered approach
WHO is calling for governments, international organizations, academic institutions, civil society, the private sector, and health agencies to work together to place patients and families at the center of cancer care.
The report outlines seven recommendations built around three priorities:
• Better capabilities: Integrate cancer care into universal health coverage and invest in a stronger health workforce.
• Better protections: Build cancer systems around the experiences of patients while strengthening social protection programs.
• Better value: Match research and innovation with public health priorities and expand fair access to effective cancer care.
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