Millions of people are facing the physical, emotional, and financial toll of cancer, a disease that claims more than 26,000 lives every day, according to a report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) on July 9. With an estimated 20.6 million new cases and close to 10 million deaths annually, cancer remains the second leading cause of death globally after cardiovascular disease.
The WHO Global Status Report on Cancer 2026, developed with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), provides analysis across areas such as political commitment, prevention—particularly through tobacco control and vaccination—and investment in treatment. The report projects that without urgent action, annual cancer cases could rise to nearly 35 million by 2050.
The report highlights persistent inequities in access to prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care. For example, while five-year survival rates for women with breast cancer reach 87% in high-income countries, only about 42% survive in low-income countries. Fewer than one in three countries currently include cancer care within their universal health coverage packages.
Cancer’s impact extends beyond health; it is also financially and socially devastating for households. WHO's first survey of people affected by cancer found at least 45% experience financial hardship; more than half report mental health challenges; and nearly all caregivers experience strain including unpaid services and social isolation.
The burden varies regionally: Asia accounted for over half of all cases (50.7%) and deaths (56.5%) in 2024 due to its large population. Europe had a disproportionately high share—21% of global cases and 20% of deaths—with only about nine percent of the world’s population. Many African countries face lower incidence but higher mortality rates.
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of death worldwide; among men common cancers include lung, prostate and colorectal cancers while among women breast, lung and colorectal cancers are most prevalent. Nearly four out of ten global cases are linked to preventable risk factors such as infections like human papillomavirus or hepatitis B/C virus infection, alcohol use, tobacco use or lifestyle factors including obesity or inactivity.
Dr. Elisabete Weiderpass said, “While we are seeing reductions in some cancer rates in countries that have implemented prevention policies, progress has been too slow... The cancer profile is evolving... increasingly driven by rising rates of obesity... unhealthy diets... air pollution.”
There have been gains since previous years: tobacco use has declined by twenty-seven percent since 2010; infection-related cancers are decreasing due to vaccination coverage improvements; eighty-two percent of countries now have national control plans compared with fifty percent in 2010; early detection programs catch most breast cancers where available; clinical trials increased at an annual rate over seven percent between two thousand five and two thousand twenty-one.
However, essential medicines remain inaccessible for many: availability ranges from nine to fifty-four percent in low- or lower-middle income countries compared with sixty-eight to ninety-four percent elsewhere. Clarissa Schilstra said, “Cancer is not just a medical diagnosis – it profoundly... affects every aspect...” She urged policymakers “to meaningfully engage with people affected by cancer.”
The report calls on governments and organizations globally to deliver a people-centred approach through seven recommendations focused on equity across all communities.
