Cancer, a disease that claims more than 26,000 lives every day, faces physical, mental and economic toll on millions of people, according to a report released today by the World Health Organization (WHO). Cancer remains the second leading cause of death worldwide after cardiovascular disease, with an estimated 20.6 million new infections and nearly 10 million deaths annually.
Reversing this trend will require a fundamental shift to a human-centered approach that responds to the health needs and lived experiences of affected people and communities. Without urgent action, the number of annual cancer cases is projected to rise to nearly 35 million by 2050.
The WHO Global Cancer Status Report 2026, produced in collaboration with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), provides a comprehensive analysis of political initiatives and progress across key areas, including investment in cancer prevention and treatment, particularly through tobacco control and vaccination programmes.
However, the report also reveals that inequalities in access to prevention, diagnosis, treatment and supportive care persist and widen, leaving millions of people without the services they need. The analysis found that 87% of women with breast cancer in high-income countries survive five years after diagnosis, compared to only about 42% in low-income countries. Currently, fewer than one in three countries include cancer treatment in their universal health coverage packages.
Cancer is a very personal disease that affects almost everyone. But whether a person survives cancer should never depend on where they were born or their income. The inequalities described in this report are not inevitable. They are the result of choices and can be reversed by stronger, unified action. ”
Dr. AS WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Most people will be affected by cancer at some point in their lives, either through their own diagnosis or the diagnosis of a close family member. Beyond its health impacts, cancer remains one of the most devastating economic and social challenges that households can face. The WHO’s first survey of people affected by cancer found that at least 45% experienced financial hardship, more than half reported mental health problems, and almost all caregivers reported burdens such as unpaid services and social isolation.
Cancer incidence in different regions
The burden of cancer varies markedly by region. In 2024, Asia will account for the largest share, accounting for more than half (50.7%) of all cancer cases and deaths (56.5%), reflecting its large population. Despite having only about 9% of the world’s population, Europe has borne a disproportionately high burden, accounting for 21% of global infections and 20% of deaths. In contrast, many countries in Africa and parts of Asia have low incidence but disproportionately high mortality rates.
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Lung, prostate, and colorectal cancers are among the most common cancers in men, while breast, lung, and colorectal cancers account for the majority of the burden in women.
Nearly 4 in 10 cancer cases worldwide are associated with preventable risk factors, particularly infections such as human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B and C, and Helicobacter pylori, alcohol, smoking, high body mass index, and insufficient physical activity, highlighting the important role of prevention.
Dr Elisabeth Weiderpas, director of WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), said: “Countries that have implemented prevention policies have seen some reductions in cancer incidence, but progress is too slow.” “The cancer landscape is evolving and is increasingly driven by obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy diets and increased air pollution. Cancer prevention must remain a political priority.”
Despite significant gains, gaps remain
The report points to significant gains in key policy areas. Since 2010, tobacco use has decreased by 27%, contributing to a decline in lung cancer cases and deaths in some regions. Infectious disease-related cancers are also declining thanks to increased vaccination coverage, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and improvements in infectious disease prevention and control.
Political efforts have increased and 82% of countries now have a national cancer control plan, up from 50% in 2010. In high-income countries, early detection programs detect most breast cancers and 74% of women are screened for cervical cancer. Scientific innovation is accelerating. Registered clinical trials grew at an annual rate of 7.3% between 2005 and 2021.
However, these advances have not translated into lifesaving efforts at the required pace. Essential cancer treatments remain out of reach for many people. Availability of the top 20 priority cancer drugs ranges from 68% to 94% in high-income countries, compared to only 9% to 54% in low-income and lower-middle-income countries. And the people living with cancer and their families feel the impact of these gaps most acutely.
“Cancer is more than just a medical diagnosis. It has a profound and infinite impact on every aspect of an individual’s life, and even their families,” said Clarissa Silstra, a childhood cancer survivor and WHO principal investigator. “We urge policymakers to engage meaningfully with people affected by cancer. Giving voice to our lived experiences can inform more just and effective solutions to protect and promote the lives and well-being of future generations.”
Towards human-centered cancer control issues
This report is an important opportunity to put people affected by cancer at the center of cancer control efforts. The report calls for governments, international organizations, civil society, academia, the private sector and WHO to work together to provide a human-centered and holistic approach to caring for individuals and families affected by cancer.
To support this vision, this report outlines seven key recommendations and three strategic shifts to be implemented in all countries and communities.
- BETTER FEATURES: Integrate cancer control into universal health coverage and invest in human capital for cancer prevention and control.
- better protection: Putting people with lived experience at the heart of cancer systems, while strengthening social protection. and
- better value: Aligning research and innovation with public health needs and ensuring equitable access to value-based, advanced care.
The choices and actions taken today will shape the burden of cancer that future generations will bear. By taking a human-centered approach, making strategic and sustained investments, and maintaining an unwavering commitment to equity, countries can reduce the burden of cancer and improve outcomes for everyone everywhere.
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