WHO Calls for Urgent Action as New Cancer Cases are Projected to Nearly Double by 2050

Cancer cases are projected to rise from 20.6 million annually to nearly 35 million by 2050, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) without stronger action, while persistent inequities continue to limit access to prevention, diagnosis, treatment and supportive care.

Cancer currently causes nearly 10 million deaths each year, and five-year breast cancer survival reaches 87% in high-income countries compared with about 42% in low-income countries. Nearly four in 10 cancer cases are linked to preventable risk factors, yet fewer than one-third of countries include cancer care in universal health coverage.

The findings highlight the need for people-centered, equitable cancer policies that expand prevention, treatment and financial protection. Read more from the WHO here.