The number of new cancer cases worldwide could surpass 35 million annually by 2050, representing a 77% increase compared with 2022, according to projections from the World Health Organization (WHO) and its International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
The report estimates that around 20 million people were diagnosed with cancer in 2022, while nearly 10 million died from the disease. Experts warn that the growing cancer burden is expected to place increasing pressure on healthcare systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
According to the WHO, the projected rise is being driven by several factors, including population growth, longer life expectancy, aging populations, tobacco use, obesity, unhealthy diets, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, environmental pollution, and unequal access to cancer prevention, screening and early diagnosis.
Cancer risk naturally increases with age as genetic mutations accumulate over time. At the same time, the world's growing population means that even if cancer rates remain stable, the total number of diagnoses will continue to rise.
Lifestyle-related factors are also playing an increasingly important role. Smoking remains one of the leading preventable causes of cancer, while excess body weight, poor nutrition, alcohol use and sedentary lifestyles contribute to a higher risk of developing many forms of the disease.
Environmental exposures, including air pollution, industrial chemicals and workplace carcinogens, are also adding to the global cancer burden, particularly in rapidly industrializing regions.
The WHO highlights that countries such as India are expected to experience one of the fastest increases in cancer cases because of population aging, urbanization, lifestyle changes, rising obesity, tobacco use and improved detection programs.
Although not every cancer can be prevented, experts estimate that 30% to 50% of cases could be avoided through healthier lifestyles and effective public health measures. These include avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, eating a balanced diet, receiving recommended vaccinations such as HPV and hepatitis B vaccines, and participating in routine cancer screening programs.
Researchers emphasize that strengthening prevention strategies, expanding early detection and improving access to treatment will be critical to reducing the future global burden of cancer.
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