WHO predicted 35+ million cases of cancer by 2050, highlighting growing global deaths and inequality between rich and poor nations.
Scientists think 35+ million cases of cancer by 2050, This is a big increase from the 20 million people who got cancer in 2022. In that year, about 9.7 million people died because of cancer. This information comes from the International Agency for Research on Cancer, which is part of the World Health Organization.
Cancer is happening more because the world has more people and older people. Also, the way people live is changing. Things like smoking, drinking alcohol, being overweight, and air pollution can make people more likely to get cancer.
Before World Cancer Day in 2024, the cancer agency shared new data of Cancer by 2050. They also looked at 115 countries and found that many countries do not spend enough money to help people with cancer and to provide care for people who are very sick.
In 2022, 20 million people got cancer and 9.7 million people died. Around 53.5 million people were still alive five years after their cancer was found. About 1 in 5 people will get cancer in their life. About 1 in 9 men and 1 in 12 women die from cancer.
Global Cancer Situation (2022)
| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| New cancer cases | 20 million |
| Cancer deaths | 9.7 million |
| People alive after 5 years | 53.5 million |
| Lifetime risk | 1 in 5 people |
| Death risk (Men) | 1 in 9 |
| Death risk (Women) | 1 in 12 |
A survey by the WHO found that only 39 out of 100 countries give the basic cancer care to all people. Only 28 out of 100 countries give extra care for people who need help to stay comfortable when very sick.
The agency also looked at 185 countries and 36 types of cancer. They found that 10 types of cancer make up about two-thirds of all cancer cases and deaths.
Most Common Cancers (2022 – New Cases)
| Cancer Type | New Cases |
|---|---|
| Lung cancer | 2.5 million |
| Breast cancer | 2.3 million |
| Colon cancer | 1.9 million |
| Prostate cancer | 1.5 million |
| Stomach cancer | 970,000 |
Cancers Causing Most Deaths (2022)
| Cancer Type | Deaths |
|---|---|
| Lung cancer | 1.8 million |
| Colon cancer | 900,000 |
| Liver cancer | 760,000 |
| Breast cancer | 670,000 |
| Stomach cancer | 660,000 |
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For women, breast cancer is the most common and the one that causes the most deaths. For men, lung cancer is the most common and the deadliest. In men, prostate and colon cancers are the next most common. In women, lung and colon cancers are second and third.
Cervical cancer is the 8th most common cancer and the 9th most deadly. In 2022, about 661,000 women got cervical cancer, and 348,000 women died. It is the most common cancer in women in 25 countries, mostly in Africa. Cervical cancer can be stopped if countries follow the World Health Organization’s plan.
Cancer is not the same everywhere. In rich countries, 1 in 12 women get breast cancer and 1 in 71 die. In poorer countries, only 1 in 27 women get breast cancer, but 1 in 48 die because they get treatment too late.
Women in poorer countries are 50% less likely to know they have breast cancer early, and they are more likely to die because they do not get good treatment.
“WHO estimates 35 million new cases of cancer by 2050 worldwide”
A survey also showed that lung cancer treatment is much easier to get in rich countries than in poor countries. Radiation treatment is four times more likely to be available in rich countries. Stem cell treatment is 12 times more likely in rich countries than poor countries.
WHO says that poor countries need more help. People there cannot get basic cancer care. WHO is working with over 75 governments to make cancer care better for everyone before raising cases cancer by 2050. Big investments are needed to make cancer treatment fair for all.
Smoking, drinking alcohol, being overweight, and dirty air are the main reasons why more people get cancer.
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Rich countries will have the biggest number of new cases Cancer by 2050, with 4.8 million more people expected to get cancer. But poorer countries will see the biggest increase in percent, almost double the number of people getting cancer by 2050. Deaths from cancer will also almost double in these countries.
The increase in Cancer by 2050 will not be the same for all countries. Countries that do not have enough money will have the hardest time helping people with cancer.
Even though treatments and early detection have improved, there are still big differences between rich and poor countries. Where a person lives should not decide if they live or die. Tools and plans exist to help countries give cancer care to everyone before rasing the cases of cancer by 2050. It is not just about money but also about caring and making good decisions.
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