WHO Warns Cancer Cases Will Reach 35 Million by 2050 as Care Gaps Persist
Updated
Updated · World Health Organization (WHO) · Jul 8
WHO Warns Cancer Cases Will Reach 35 Million by 2050 as Care Gaps Persist
3 articles · Updated · World Health Organization (WHO) · Jul 8
Summary
35 million annual cancer cases are projected by 2050, up from 20.6 million today, prompting WHO to call for urgent action to reshape cancer control around patients and families.
10 million people already die from cancer each year, and WHO says slow prevention progress plus widening gaps in prevention, diagnosis, treatment and supportive care are driving the worsening outlook.
87% of women with breast cancer survive five years in high-income countries versus about 42% in low-income countries, while fewer than one in three countries include cancer care in universal health coverage.
45% of people affected by cancer report financial hardship, more than half report mental health challenges, and nearly all caregivers report strain, underscoring WHO's push for stronger social protection and equitable access.