World Health Organization Cancer Report: According to WHO’s Global Status Report on Cancer 2026, new cases of cancer in the world may reach 35 million by 2050. Know the major points of the report, reasons, risks and preventive measures.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a shocking report regarding cancer. According to the WHO Global Status Report on Cancer 2026, cancer cases are expected to increase rapidly across the world in the coming 25 years. According to the report, by 2050, about 3.5 crore (35 million) new cases of cancer may be reported every year, which will be about 66.7% more than the current figures. The report also states that 92% of the world’s population will be affected by some form of cancer in their lifetime, whether they develop the disease themselves or a family, friend or loved one faces cancer. Experts believe that cancer is now not just a health problem but is also becoming a social, mental and economic challenge.
Why will cancer cases increase by 2050?
According to WHO, cancer is causing the death of about 1 crore (10 million) people every year. That means, on an average, more than 26,000 people die every day due to cancer. After heart problems, cancer has become the second largest cause of death in the world. According to the report, increasing population across the world, increasing age of people, changing lifestyle and environmental reasons are the main reasons for the increase in cancer cases. Experts say that if prevention and awareness are not paid attention to in time, it will put a huge pressure on health care in the coming years.
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About 40% of cancer cases can be prevented
According to WHO and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), about 4 out of every 10 cancer cases are preventable by adopting the right lifestyle. The report also revealed that cancer treatment is not equally available in every country. For example, in high-income countries, about 87% of women with breast cancer survive for at least five years, while in low-income countries this figure is about 42%. The biggest reasons for this are lack of timely testing, delay in treatment and lack of health facilities.
Major risk factors for cancer
- tobacco and smoking
- excessive alcohol consumption
- obesity
- lack of physical activity
- Unbalanced and junk food diet
- air pollution
- HPV infection
- Hepatitis B and C
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
Experts say that many cases of cancer can be avoided by controlling these risk factors.
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Necessary cancer services are not available in all countries
According to WHO, only one in three countries in the world has fully included cancer treatment in its Universal Health Coverage. Due to this, lakhs of people do not get timely diagnosis, treatment and medicines. The report also stated that the availability of essential cancer medicines in low-income countries is quite limited, which has a direct impact on the treatment of patients. According to the report, 50.7% of the world’s total cancer cases and 56.5% of cancer deaths in 2024 were recorded in Asia. The main reason for this is the large population of Asia.
The most common cancer in men – Lung Cancer, Prostate Cancer Colorectal (Large Intestine) Cancer
The most common cancer in women – Breast Cancer, Lung Cancer Colorectal Cancer
Lung cancer still remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in the world.
What to do to reduce the risk of cancer?
According to experts, the risk of cancer can be reduced to a great extent by adopting some healthy habits.
- Stay away from smoking and tobacco completely.
- Limit or avoid alcohol consumption.
- Do physical activity for at least 30–45 minutes every day.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Get important vaccinations like HPV and Hepatitis B done on time.
- Get regular cancer screening done as per doctor’s advice according to age and risk.
- Try to reduce exposure to pollution and harmful chemicals.