The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that global cancer cases could rise to 35 million annually by 2050, urging urgent action to tackle the growing health challenge.
WHO said cancer currently causes more than 26,000 deaths daily, with 20.6 million new cases recorded each year.
The warning was contained in the WHO Global Status Report on Cancer 2026, which highlighted widening inequalities in cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care.
The report revealed major gaps in survival rates, noting that while about 87 per cent of women with breast cancer survive five years in wealthy countries, the rate drops to about 42 per cent in low-income countries.
WHO Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, said cancer outcomes should not depend on a person’s location or income level, stressing the need for stronger global action.
The report identified tobacco use, alcohol consumption, obesity, infections and physical inactivity as major preventable risk factors, while noting that lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide.
WHO called on governments and partners to expand universal health coverage and improve access to cancer prevention, early diagnosis and treatment.
