WHO report warns new cancer cases could nearly double to 35 million by 2050 without urgent action

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a report warning that new cancer cases are projected to nearly double by 2050, reaching an estimated 35 million new cases annually. Currently, there are 20.6 million new cases and nearly 10 million deaths each year, making cancer the second leading cause of death globally after cardiovascular disease. The report emphasizes that reversing this trend requires a fundamental shift toward a people-centred approach that addresses the health needs and lived experiences of affected communities. Without urgent action, the global cancer burden will continue to rise dramatically.