A new report by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) warns that one in every five people worldwide is expected to develop cancer during their lifetime, highlighting the growing burden of the disease and calling for urgent action to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
The Global Status Report on Cancer 2026 also estimates that cancer will directly or indirectly affect 92% of the global population, either through a personal diagnosis or by impacting a close family member.
The report cautions that without timely intervention, the rising number of cancer cases could place unprecedented pressure on healthcare systems worldwide.
Cancer cases and deaths continue to rise
According to the report, around 20.6 million new cancer cases are diagnosed globally each year, while the disease claims nearly 10 million lives annually.
That equates to more than 26,000 cancer-related deaths every day, making cancer the second leading cause of death worldwide, behind cardiovascular disease.
Researchers project that annual cancer diagnoses could increase to almost 35 million by 2050, representing an increase of more than 40% compared with current levels.
Experts attribute the growing burden to several factors, including:
- Population growth
- Ageing populations
- Environmental pollution
- Tobacco and alcohol use
- Unhealthy diets and physical inactivity
- Obesity
- Certain infections linked to cancer
Wide disparities in cancer care
The report highlights significant inequalities in cancer prevention and treatment between high-income and low-income countries.
Patients in lower-income nations often experience delayed diagnoses, limited access to specialist care, shortages of essential medicines, and inadequate treatment facilities.
For example:
- The five-year survival rate for breast cancer reaches 87% in high-income countries but falls to 42% in low-income countries.
- More than 80% of children diagnosed with cancer survive in wealthier countries, while survival rates remain below 30% in many poorer nations.
The report also notes that several countries still lack basic cancer treatment services, including radiotherapy, while many essential cancer medicines remain unavailable or unaffordable.
Pakistan faces a growing cancer burden
The report identifies Pakistan as one of the countries experiencing a rising number of cancer cases, particularly among women and children.
Each year:
- 8,000 to 10,000 children in Pakistan are diagnosed with cancer.
- More than 30,000 women develop breast cancer.
- Over 15,000 women die from breast cancer annually.
- Around 5,000 new cervical cancer cases are reported every year, making it the country’s third most common cancer among women.
Health experts say late diagnosis, treatment delays, limited healthcare resources, and inadequate screening programs continue to contribute to high mortality rates.
Economic and emotional burden on families
Beyond its medical impact, cancer is creating significant financial and psychological challenges for millions of families.
According to the report, approximately 45% of cancer patients experience severe financial hardship due to treatment costs, while more than half face mental health challenges during or after treatment.
The high cost of medicines, limited availability of specialist care, lost income, and the emotional demands of caregiving often place families under considerable strain.
WHO calls for urgent action
The WHO and IARC urge governments to strengthen national cancer control strategies by investing in prevention, early detection, affordable treatment, healthcare infrastructure, and access to essential medicines.
The report warns that without sustained policy action and increased investment in healthcare systems, the global cancer burden is likely to accelerate, placing millions more lives at risk over the coming decades.
