The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that annual global cancer cases are projected to nearly double from the current 20.6 million to 35 million by 2050.
In its Global Status Report on Cancer 2026, the WHO attributes the expected increase to aging populations, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, obesity, and air pollution.
The report also highlights widening inequalities in cancer care between high-income and low-income countries. More than 85% of women diagnosed with breast cancer in wealthy nations survive at least five years, compared to fewer than 45% in low-income countries.
According to the WHO, nearly 45% of cancer patients experience severe financial hardship during treatment, while fewer than one in three countries provide comprehensive cancer care under universal health coverage.
The report further notes that patients in low- and middle-income countries often wait between 15 and 17 years to access newer, first-line targeted cancer therapies, underscoring the urgent need for equitable access to diagnosis, treatment and care worldwide.
Source Attributed: Euronews