Cancer on the Rise: Global Cases Could Reach 34 Million by 2050

A new global study warns that the world is facing a sharp increase in cancer cases. According to the Global Cancer Statistics 2026 report, prepared by experts from the American Cancer Society and the International Agency for Research on Cancer, nearly 21 million people were diagnosed with cancer in 2024, while around 9.8 million people died from the disease.

The findings were published in the journal CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.

Scientists estimate that approximately one in five people worldwide will develop cancer during their lifetime. Cancer causes the death of about one in nine men and one in 13 women.

If current trends continue, the number of new cancer cases could reach 34 million annually by 2050 — 67% higher than in 2024. The main drivers of this increase will be population ageing and global population growth.

“Cancer remains one of the greatest public health threats of the 21st century and a major obstacle to increasing life expectancy,” said the study’s lead author, Dr. Hyuna Sung.

However, researchers emphasize that a significant proportion of cancer deaths are preventable. According to the authors, nearly half of cancer-related deaths could be avoided by reducing modifiable risk factors, while many others could be prevented through early detection and timely treatment.

Key findings of the study

Cancer risk varies greatly by region

Cancer incidence differs by approximately four to five times across regions. The highest rates are observed in Australia and New Zealand, while the lowest are recorded in some parts of Africa and South Asia. Differences in cancer mortality rates are about twofold.

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death

In 2024, approximately 2.6 million new lung cancer cases were recorded, along with 1.9 million deaths. Tobacco use remains the primary cause.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis among women

Breast cancer became the second most common cancer worldwide, with around 2.4 million new cases and 694,000 deaths. Access to healthcare and treatment plays a crucial role in survival: women in Western Africa die from breast cancer at roughly twice the rate of women in Australia and New Zealand, despite having lower incidence rates.

Colorectal cancer continues to rise

Colorectal cancer ranks third in the number of new cases and second in cancer mortality, with more than 2 million diagnoses and approximately 918,000 deaths.

Liver cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers

In 2024, liver cancer was responsible for around 732,000 deaths worldwide.

Prostate cancer is the greatest cancer threat for men

Around 1.5 million new cases and 420,000 deaths were recorded. The highest mortality rates were reported in the Caribbean and sub-Saharan African countries.

Cervical cancer remains a preventable tragedy

Despite being largely preventable through HPV vaccination and screening, cervical cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death among women in 26 countries.

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most dangerous forms

Although it ranks only 11th in terms of the number of new diagnoses, pancreatic cancer caused nearly 491,000 deaths.

Scientists stress that every country faces its own specific challenges in cancer control, meaning there is no single universal solution. However, prevention should become the central priority.

Among the most effective measures, experts highlight:

• quitting smoking;

• reducing alcohol consumption;

• vaccination against cancer-causing infections;

• maintaining a healthy weight;

• regular physical activity;

• early detection of disease.

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