With an estimated 20.6 million new cases and close to 10 million deaths annually, cancer remains the second leading cause of death globally after cardiovascular disease, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) first ever survey of people affected by cancer, released on Wednesday (July 8, 2026), said.
Beyond its impact on health, cancer remains one of the most financially and socially devastating challenges a household can face, the report said. The WHO survey found that at least 45% of affected people experience financial hardship, more than half report mental health challenges, and nearly all caregivers report strain, including unpaid services and social isolation.
The Global Status Report on Cancer 2026 released by WHO and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) warns that, without action, annual cases of cancer are projected to rise to nearly 35 million by 2050.
The report also indicates persistent and widening inequities in access to prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care, leaving millions of people without the services they need. Its analysis shows that while 87% of women with breast cancer survive at five years after their diagnosis in high-income countries, only about 42% do so in low-income countries. Fewer than one in three countries currently include cancer care in their universal health coverage packages.
“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,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, adding, “The inequities documented in this report are not inevitable; they are the consequence of choices, and they can be reversed through stronger and unified action.”
Regional differences
The burden of cancer varies markedly across regions. In 2024, Asia accounted for the largest share, with more than half of all cancer cases (50.7%) and deaths (56.5%) reflecting its large population. Europe carried a disproportionately high burden, contributing 21% of global cases and 20% of deaths despite having only about 9% of the world’s population. In contrast, many countries in Africa and parts of Asia experience lower incidence but disproportionately high mortality.
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death globally. Lung, prostate and colorectal cancers are among the most common cancers in men, while breast, lung and colorectal cancers account for a substantial share of the burden among women.
Nearly four in 10 cancer cases globally are linked to preventable risk factors, particularly infections, including human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B and C, and helicobacter pylori; consumption of alcohol; tobacco use; high body mass index; and insufficient physical activity, highlighting the critical role of prevention.
“While we are seeing reductions in some cancer rates in countries that have implemented prevention policies, progress has been too slow,” Elisabete Weiderpass, Director, IARC, said, adding, “The cancer profile is evolving, increasingly driven by rising rates of obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, and air pollution. Cancer prevention must remain a political priority.”
Gains and gaps
The report notes substantial gains in key policy areas. Tobacco use has declined by 27% since 2010, contributing to reductions in lung cancer cases and deaths in some regions. Infection-related cancers are also decreasing due to expanding vaccination coverage, and improved water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) as well as infection prevention and control.
Political commitment has strengthened, with 82% of countries now having national cancer control plans, up from 50% in 2010. In high-income countries, early detection programmes catch most breast cancers, and 74% of women have been screened for cervical cancer. Scientific innovation is accelerating. Registered clinical trials have increased at an annual rate of 7.3% between 2005 and 2021.
Yet these advances are not translating into life-saving actions at the pace required. Essential cancer medicines remain far out of reach for many — the availability of the top 20 priority cancer medicines ranges from just 9% to 54% in low- and lower-middle-income countries, compared with 68% to 94% in high-income countries. And the consequences of these gaps are felt most acutely by people living with cancer, and their families.
“Cancer is not just a medical diagnosis — it profoundly, indefinitely affects every aspect of a person’s life, and their family’s as well,” Clarissa Schilstra, a childhood cancer survivor and a lead in the WHO survey, said, adding, “We urge policymakers to meaningfully engage with people affected by cancer. By voicing our lived experiences, we can inform more equitable, effective solutions to protect and promote the lives and well-being of future generations.”
Published – July 08, 2026 08:52 pm IST