Global cancer statistics reveal a growing public health challenge, with researchers estimating that nearly one in five people will develop some form of cancer during their lifetime.
New data from the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) show that the global impact of the disease is increasing at an alarming rate.
The report is based on data from GLOBOCAN, the IARC’s global database tracking cancer incidence and mortality for 34 types of cancer across 186 countries.
Cancer cases expected to rise by 2050
According to the “Global Cancer Statistics, 2026” report, around 21 million people worldwide were diagnosed with cancer in 2024, while 9.8 million died from the disease.
Researchers estimate that almost one in five people will develop cancer during their lifetime. Around one in nine men and one in 13 women are expected to die from cancer.
The figures highlight the urgent need for stronger prevention measures, earlier diagnosis and equal access to modern treatments.
The number of new cancer cases is projected to reach 34 million by 2050, representing a 67% increase compared with 2024.
This projection is based mainly on global population growth and ageing. However, experts warn that the actual burden could be even higher if major risk factors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, lack of physical activity and certain infections, are not reduced.
Lung and breast cancer remain leading causes
Lung cancer remains the most common cancer worldwide in terms of both new cases and deaths.
In 2024, around 2.6 million new lung cancer cases were recorded, accounting for 13% of all cancer diagnoses. The disease also caused approximately 1.9 million deaths, representing nearly 19% of all cancer-related deaths.
Smoking remains the leading risk factor associated with lung cancer, highlighting the importance of smoking cessation programmes and protection from second-hand smoke.
Breast cancer was the second most common cancer worldwide, with around 2.4 million new cases and 694,000 deaths.
It remains the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women and the leading cause of cancer deaths in the female population.
Unequal access affects survival rates
Colorectal cancer was the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths globally, with more than two million new cases and around 918,000 deaths.
Liver cancer caused approximately 732,000 deaths, while stomach cancer was linked to around 980,000 new diagnoses and 642,000 deaths. The highest stomach cancer rates were recorded in East Asia.
Prostate cancer was the second most common cancer among men, with around 1.5 million new diagnoses and 420,000 deaths. Mortality rates were particularly high in the Caribbean and sub-Saharan Africa.
Pancreatic cancer remains a major concern despite fewer new cases, ranking as the sixth leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, with around 491,000 deaths.
The report highlights that almost half of cancer deaths may be linked to potentially preventable risk factors. Many deaths could also be avoided through early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Prevention remains key
Cervical cancer is one of the clearest examples of a preventable cancer. The disease can largely be avoided through HPV vaccination and regular screening.
Despite this, it remains the leading cause of cancer death among women in 26 countries, mainly in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South and Central America.
Experts stress that survival rates depend not only on the type and stage of cancer but also on where a person lives and their access to prevention programmes, diagnostic services and treatment.
For example, women in Western Africa have around twice the risk of dying from breast cancer compared with women in Australia and New Zealand, despite breast cancer incidence rates being approximately half as high.
The difference is mainly linked to delayed diagnosis and limited access to specialised treatments.
Experts say prevention must remain at the centre of every national cancer strategy, including avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and protecting against cancer-related infections.
Participation in appropriate screening programmes based on age, gender, family history and medical advice also remains essential.
Also read: Why is childhood cancer increasing in Cyprus?
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