The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged governments to take immediate action as global cancer cases are projected to rise from an estimated 20.6 million annually to nearly 35 million by 2050. Cancer already claims close to 10 million lives each year, making it the world’s second-leading cause of death after cardiovascular diseases.
Progress Made, But Major Gaps Remain
Although many countries have strengthened cancer control policies, significant disparities persist in prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care. Tobacco use has declined over the past decade, vaccination programmes have reduced infection-related cancers, and more countries now have national cancer control plans.
As per a WHO news release, these advances have not translated into equitable access to life-saving care. Many low- and lower-middle-income countries still lack essential cancer medicines, screening services and radiotherapy facilities, leaving millions without timely treatment.
Lifestyle Risks Are Changing the Cancer Landscape
WHO noted that while prevention efforts have reduced some cancer rates, new risk factors—including obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy diets and air pollution—are driving the changing pattern of cancer worldwide. Therefore, the agency stressed that prevention must remain a public health priority alongside early detection and improved treatment.
WHO Calls for a People-Centred Approach
To address the growing burden, WHO and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have called for a people-centred approach that integrates cancer care into universal health coverage, expands social protection and ensures equitable access to research, innovation and treatment.
The agency said decisions taken today will determine the future global cancer burden, urging countries to make sustained investments in prevention, early diagnosis and quality care for all.