Global Cancer Cases Projected to Surge 77% by 2050, WHO Reports

The increase is attributed to lifestyle and environmental factors, with significant disparities in treatment outcomes across countries.

New cancer diagnoses are expected to reach over 35 million annually by 2050, a 77% increase from current figures, driven by lifestyle and environmental factors such as tobacco, alcohol, obesity, and air pollution.
The greatest absolute increase in cancer cases is anticipated in high Human Development Index (HDI) countries, while low and medium HDI countries will see cancer mortality nearly double.
A majority of countries do not adequately finance cancer and palliative care services, leading to significant disparities in treatment outcomes globally.
Inequities in cancer burden and treatment are particularly pronounced between high and low-income regions, with late diagnoses and lack of access to treatments contributing to higher mortality rates in lower HDI countries.
WHO emphasizes the need for urgent global efforts and investments to address the escalating cancer crisis and reduce global inequities in cancer outcomes.