The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called for urgent global action against cancer, warning annual new cases could reach 35 million globally by 2050.

WHO said on Wednesday that cancer causes more than 26,000 deaths daily, with 20.6 million new cases yearly worldwide.

The organisation said reversing the trend required a people-centred approach, prioritising health needs and experiences of affected individuals globally.

The warning is contained in the WHO Global Status Report on Cancer 2026, developed jointly with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

The report assessed progress in political commitment, cancer prevention, tobacco control, vaccination programmes and treatment investments across countries.

It, however, found persistent and widening inequalities in access to cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care globally.

According to the report, 87 per cent of women diagnosed with breast cancer survive five years in wealthy countries.

In low-income countries, only about 42 per cent of women diagnosed with breast cancer survive at least five years.

The report also revealed that fewer than one-third of countries include comprehensive cancer care in universal health coverage.

WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus said cancer survival should never depend on birthplace or income level.

Mr Ghebreyesus said disparities highlighted in the report resulted from policy choices and could be reversed through coordinated action.

He noted that most people would experience cancer personally or through a close family member during their lifetime.

WHO’s first global survey showed that at least 45 per cent of people affected by cancer experienced financial hardship.

The survey found that more than half of respondents reported mental health challenges, while caregivers experienced emotional strain.

Regionally, Asia recorded the highest cancer burden in 2024, accounting for more than half of cases globally.

“Europe contributed 21 per cent of global cancer cases and 20 per cent of deaths in spite of its population,” it said.

The report noted that many countries in Africa and parts of Asia experienced lower incidence rates but higher mortality rates.

“Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, while prostate and colorectal cancers remain common.

“Among women, breast, lung and colorectal cancers account for a significant share of the global cancer burden.

“The report estimated that nearly four in every 10 cancer cases are linked to preventable risk factors,” it said.

These risk factors included tobacco use, alcohol consumption, obesity, infections, and physical inactivity, according to the report.

IARC Director Elisabete Weiderpass said overall global progress against cancer remained too slow despite improvements.

She warned that rising obesity, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and air pollution increasingly drive the global cancer burden.

“WHO reported encouraging gains, including a 27 per cent decline in tobacco use since 2010 globally,” she said.

The report also noted an increase in the number of national cancer control plans from 50 to 82 per cent.

Despite progress, access to essential cancer medicines remained limited in many low- and lower-middle-income countries worldwide.

WHO urged governments, development partners, and stakeholders to strengthen universal health coverage and ensure equitable cancer care.

(NAN)