Overview

• The Global Burden of Disease analysis estimates 18.5 million new cases and 10.4 million deaths in 2023, with deaths up 74% since 1990.
• Without stronger action, models project about 30.5 million new cases and 18.5 million deaths annually by 2050, with wide uncertainty ranges.
• Most people with cancer live in low- and middle-income countries, highlighting major gaps in prevention, early detection and treatment access.
• Population growth and aging are the primary drivers of the increase, while 41.7% of 2023 cancer deaths are linked to modifiable risks such as smoking, poor diet, alcohol use and high blood sugar.
• Breast cancer was the most diagnosed in 2023, and cancers of the trachea, bronchi and lung caused the most deaths.